By Dalitso Kampira

Thyolo, September 13, Mana: Thyolo District Council officials and Bvumbwe residents on Friday went to Bvumbwe Market to clear liters to continue with presidential cleanup campaign that is meant to promote cleanliness in market places and other public premises.

District Commissioner for Thyolo, Hudson Kuphanga, therefore called on Bvumbwe residents to remain committed to the cleanup campaign to prevent outbreaks like cholera which often result from poor hygiene practices.

“We are here to continue with what the president started. We should keep our surroundings clean to prevent cholera outbreak,” said the District Commissioner.

He therefore commended the youth for participating in the clean-up exercise in large numbers, acknowledging their participation as ideal for a generation that needs to embrace the spirit of environmental consciousness.

“This exercise instills discipline among the youth. By engaging them in cleaning up exercises, we teach them that cleanliness is next to godliness and this helps to shape them into responsible citizens,” Kuphanga added.

The event attracted various council members and stakeholders, including Nchima Tea Estate and NBS Bank and renowned artist Gibo Pearson performed at the exercise.

The District Commissioner said, “We also invited Gibo Pearson to mobilise and entertain the youth and show them that the council cares for them.”

Kuphanga further urged stakeholders, especially tea estates to participate through corporate social responsibility highlighting Nchima Estate as an exemplary model.

Chairperson for Bvumbwe Market, Edrissa Gausi said traders at the market were committed to maintain cleanliness and hygiene practices.

“As Bvumbwe Market, we will continue enforcing cleanliness standards both in the market and at home. By educating the community on importance of keeping the market clean to prevent cholera outbreak,” added Gausi.

He also encouraged vendors and Bvumbwe residents to continue with cleanliness at the market places and their homes by disposing wastes in their rightful places.

Most local authorities do clean up exercises after President Lazarus Chakwera launched the initiative to set the pace in promoting cleanliness in the country.