Clean Cities Initiative Targets 1,250 Youths

By Samuel Flomo, Jr.

Government has launched the first phase of the Presidential Clean Cities Initiative in Bong County.

The exercise targets more than 1,250 young people in every part oif the country. It is part of government’s efforts to improve sanitation, promote environmental cleanliness, and create temporary employment opportunities.

The initiative, which President Joseph Nyuma Boakai championed, was officially launched in Gbarnga on Saturday, November 7, through the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs.

The Ministry Deputy for Administration, Bill McGill Jones, said the program was developed by a presidential committee to address growing sanitation challenges in urban communities.

It will henceforth, provide employment opportunities for young people.

Jones disclosed how the first phase will cover 14 cities in eight counties, and one township, with implementation beginning in November, and extends into 2027.

He said, Bong County will receive approximately 200 beneficiaries with 150 young people in Gbarnga, and 50 in Totota.

Jones: “The initiative is designed to encourage community participation, and strengthen cooperation among young people, community-based organizations, local authorities and residents to address environmental and sanitation challenges.”

He emphasized the need for the program would extend beyond cleaning streets, and public spaces. Jones noted that beneficiaries will also participate in public awareness activities to educate residents about their responsibilities to maintain clean communities.

Jones warned that sanitation should not be treated as the sole responsibility of the government. He argued that citizens must actively participate to keep their surroundings clean.

“The responsibility of cleaning our communities is not tied to the government alone; it is also tied to the citizens.”

Jones explained how during the three-month engagement, selected beneficiaries will identify public areas requiring sanitation services, work alongside local authorities, and encourage residents to adopt responsible waste management practices.

He urged beneficiaries to regard the initiative as an opportunity to contribute to national development, rather than simply a means of earning income.

“You will get paid, but I want you to see it as a responsibility to your community, to your county, and to Liberia.”

Meanwhile, Bong County Senator Prince Kermue Moye, who officially launched the initiative, commended the Boakai administration for introducing the program.

Moye described the intervention as an important opportunity to address sanitation concerns as well as provide temporary employment for young people.

He encouraged the selected beneficiaries to demonstrate commitment, discipline and dedication throughout the program.

The Presidential Clean Cities Initiative is to strengthen collaboration between government institutions, local authorities and community-based organizations.

Its success, will depend on effective implementation, active community participation, and sustained public commitment to sanitation beyond the program’s three-month engagement period.