By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, August 11, Mana: Senior Chief Mkumpha III of Likoma Island on Friday led his subjects in a clean-up exercise with the aim of keeping the island clean.

In an interview, Senior Chief Mkumpha said he decided to take part in the exercise in order to be exemplary to his subjects by keeping the island clean thereby preventing the spread of diseases.

"We need to keep the district clean. It is a responsibility of each and everyone to take part so that the district should prevent diseases which come due to lack of hygiene," said Mkumpha.

He, therefore, advised all community leaders in the district to be on the forefront practicing hygiene as well as sensitizing community members on the importance of the clean-up campaigns.

Chairperson for the clean-up campaign taskforce, Grant Kumwenda thanked all stakeholders for their participation which he said will help in the control of plastic pollution.

"I am impressed with the activity. The turn up was good, even people from market areas participated. It is good that people are now embracing this kind of initiative to keep the island clean," said Kumwenda.

He urged all the Islanders to continue embracing the activity since it is a routine exercise which is being done every second Friday of each month.

District Commissioner (DC) for Likoma, Abu-Bakr Nkhoma said the routine program, apart from preventing diseases, will make Likoma look tidy.

"The clean-up campaign aims at achieving good hygiene practices among Malawians. It encourages people to clean their homes, workplaces and their community surroundings and our district is not spared," said Nkhoma.

President Dr Lazarus Chakwera officially launched the National Clean-up Day in November, 2020 in Lilongwe.