Africa-Press – Namibia. Namibia is facing rising pollution, urbanisation pressures, and a decline in its reputation as Africa’s cleanest country. To grasp the country’s environmental vision, objectives, and challenges, New Era journalist Lahja Nashuuta (LN) engaged Olimpio Nhuleipo (ON), Deputy Director of Environmental Affairs and Forestry and Head of the National Clean-Up Campaign.
LN: The National Clean-Up Campaign was launched by late president Hage Geingob in 2018. Seven years later, why does it remain important, and what is its long-term vision?
ON: The campaign remains critical because the need has only grown. The late president Geingob saw that a clean environment is not a luxury, but it is the foundation for good health, dignity, and sustainable development. Since 2018, our ministry has been entrusted with leading the initiative annually, in line with World Cleanup Day, observed globally on 20 September.
The long-term goal is to make sure Namibia becomes and stays one of Africa’s cleanest and healthiest places. A clean Namibia improves public health, boosts tourism, attracts investment, and builds pride among its people. In the end, this campaign isn’t just about a single day of cleaning; it’s about changing behaviors and attitudes toward waste management for future generations.
LN: Environmental campaigns often seem symbolic, but what tangible results do you expect from this year’s activities?
ON: That’s an important point. Symbolism alone won’t change anything. For 2025, we expect three major outcomes.
First, active participation. We want every Namibian, including government offices, private companies, schools, churches, and ordinary citizens, to physically take part in clean-up activities in their localities.
Second, awareness and education. We want people to understand the dangers of pollution: how plastics choke rivers, how waste harms livestock and wildlife, and how poor waste management fuels disease.
Third, measurable impact. We will track the tons of waste collected, the number of areas cleaned, and the awareness raised. But beyond just numbers, success will be when communities adopt ongoing practices such as separating waste, recycling, and discouraging littering.
LN: This year’s launch in Nkurenkuru, Kavango West, raises the question: why is this region so significant for 2025?
ON: Nkurenkuru is more than symbolic; it is strategic. The town is expanding quickly along the Okavango River, one of Namibia’s most fragile ecosystems. Growth in agriculture, tourism, housing, construction, and transport is speeding up in the area. While this creates opportunities, it also introduces risks: increased solid waste, plastic dumping, chemicals, and greater strain on natural resources.
By hosting the campaign here, we are sending a clear message: development must be sustainable. We want residents to adopt recycling and proper waste management practices early on, so Nkurenkuru can grow without repeating the mistakes of other towns where waste accumulated faster than solutions were implemented.
LN: Namibia was Africa’s cleanest country but lost it to Rwanda. What caused this decline?
ON: It is a mix of challenges. First, awareness and attitudes changed. People became careless, throwing litter from moving vehicles or dumping waste into open spaces. The sense of shared responsibility weakened.
Second, urbanisation pressures grew. Towns and cities are expanding quickly, driven by migration from rural areas. Unfortunately, waste management services haven’t kept up with this growth.
Third, resources are limited. Many regional councils and local authorities lack the funding and infrastructure to manage waste effectively. When waste collection is irregular or unavailable, residents turn to illegal dumping.
Finally, enforcement is weak. Anti-littering laws are in place, but without strict enforcement, they have little impact. Pair this with a shortage of recycling plants and collection programmes, and pollution becomes unavoidable.
LN: Given these setbacks, what strategies is Namibia adopting to regain its leadership in cleanliness and environmental stewardship?
ON:Several initiatives are in progress. We are reviewing the National Waste Management Strategy and drafting regulations to improve implementation.
A ban on single-use plastics is already in effect.
Through NDP6, we will implement the Circular Economy Initiative. This encourages partnerships with the private sector to establish waste collection and recycling centers nationwide. We are also creating a national platform for Extended Producer Responsibility, which requires producers to share the costs of managing the waste their products generate.
Additionally, we continue to enforce the Environmental Management Act, run awareness programs, and align with international conventions. Namibia is also participating in the ongoing UN negotiations for a global treaty to end plastic pollution, ensuring our efforts are connected to global best practices.
LN: Many Namibians say clean-up days come and go, but littering persists. What makes this year’s campaign different?
ON: That criticism is valid, and we are addressing it. This year, we are not only organising clean-ups but also implementing long-term solutions.
For instance, schools and youth organisations will take on a bigger role. We want children to grow up with a culture of recycling and environmental responsibility. Private companies are being encouraged not just to sponsor one-day events but also to invest in permanent waste management solutions.
The campaign will also focus on changing behaviors, not just waste collection. That means consistent messaging about waste separation, reuse, and building community pride in clean surroundings. The goal is not just to remove waste for one weekend—but to create habits that last year-round.
LN: What events and activities should the public expect during the campaign?
ON: The programme is busy. On 17 September, we will officially launch the campaign in Nkurenkuru with a public ceremony. Before that, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Hon. Indileni Daniel, will issue a nationwide call to action through the media, urging all 14 regions to organise clean-ups.
At the University of Namibia’s Rundu Campus, there will be a youth engagement event focused on innovation, recycling, and environmental activism. We are also planning a networking session to connect local authorities, community groups, and private sector partners.
The main event will take place on 20 September at Nkurenkuru’s Expo Hall. The minister will deliver the keynote address, and dignitaries, stakeholders, and community representatives will participate in both discussions and hands-on clean-up activities.
LN: Beyond government leadership, how crucial are communities, schools, and private stakeholders in ensuring success?
ON: Their role is absolutely essential. The government can offer policy and coordination, but without community ownership, the campaign will not succeed.
We want communities nationwide to clean up their neighborhoods, share their efforts on social media, and carry on the practice beyond the campaign.
Schools will play a crucial role in teaching children responsibility. And the private sector—whether through logistics, funding, or recycling projects—can make a lasting impact.
LN: If you could send one message to all Namibians about the importance of a clean environment, what would it be?
ON: I would say our environment is our identity. A clean Namibia is not just about beauty—it’s about dignity, health, and opportunity. Tourists visit here because of our landscapes and wildlife; investors see our potential when we maintain order and cleanliness. Every piece of waste disposed of responsibly is an act of patriotism.
LN: Finally, what is the ultimate goal of the National Clean-Up Campaign, and how close are we to achieving it?
ON: The ultimate goal is ambitious but achievable: to make Namibia the cleanest country in Africa once again. We are not there yet, but with collective action from households to schools, businesses to government, and together we can accomplish this. Cleanliness is not just a government project; it is a national culture we all must embrace.
Source: neweralive
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