Spearheading the national cleanup campaign in Maun over the weekend, the minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeaone Ntsima, stated that greening models are essential for the success of a 24-hour economy.
He noted that his Ministry intends to transform the country’s economy into a 24-hour system to boost productivity, create jobs, ensure full-time service delivery, and strengthen the overall economy.
The minister highlighted that a 24-hour economy is not intended solely for liquor stores, but for every company, shop, or service unit wishing to operate around the clock. He added that this transition requires a collective effort toward cleanliness, urging the public to stop blaming only liquor stores and alcohol consumers for littering and environmental pollution.
Ntsima stated that it is crucial to adopt “greening” through cleanup campaigns and by normalizing eco-friendly activities, such as tree planting, utilizing solar energy, and the recycling, reuse, and reduction of waste.
Additionally, he emphasised that cleaning should not be limited to litter picking; it entails the overall beautification of the environment to transform areas into eye-catching spaces. He added that this involves proper landscape planning by urban and rural planners, improved water and sanitation services, the clearing of overgrown bushes, and planting flowers at both household and community levels.
The Minister noted that cleaning Maun is a step toward preparing it for green city status. As the country’s current tourism hub and the gateway to the Okavango Delta, he remarked that keeping the town clean makes it more attractive to both tourists and residents.
He further applauded the Maun community for supporting President Duma Boko’s national clean-up campaign by participating in cleaning their spaces every second Saturday of the month, a directive established by President Advocate Duma Boko during last year’s State of the Nation Address.
Several entities participated in the campaign in large numbers, including staff from Ikageng, the North West District Council (NWDC), the Office of the District Commissioner, Maun Police, the BDF, Wild Entrust, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, and Halfway Toyota Ngami.
Ntsima mentioned that Maun should not only be famous for its vibrant atmosphere and tourism but also for its state of cleanliness.
Meanwhile, NWDC Secretary Thatayotlhe Balapi highlighted that littering is caused by the Maun community itself, adding that many residents have normalized disposing of waste carelessly. He condemned these actions, calling them disappointing and disgraceful.
Balapi suggested that many community members do not participate in cleanup campaigns, leaving their homes untidy. He warned that dirt not only makes the environment unattractive but also compromises soil fertility, making horticulture and flower planting difficult. He encouraged the community to uphold a culture of environmental care and urged everyone to play their part.
Furthermore, Halfway Toyota Ngami CEO Riaan Grobbler indicated that a clean country attracts more than just tourists; it also pulls in investors who feel their investments are safer in a well-maintained environment.
Halfway Toyota Ngami, in collaboration with companies such as Haskins, Okavango Wilderness Safaris, and Maun Lodge, provided cleaning materials and refreshments to ensure the campaign’s success. The collaboration also handed over waste bins to the Office of the District Commissioner for distribution around Maun to ensure cleanliness is maintained.
