By Abraham Kollie, kollieabraham23@gmail.com
KAKATA, Liberia—For some time now, the Margibi County capital, Kakata has become known for not being tidy, with garbage seen across the city causing visitors to complain of stench in several parts, something that poses serious health hazard.
But now, something is being done, with efforts underway to clean the mess and make the overall environment of this city more conducive, with the involvement of the Joint Security organizations in the County. Over the weekend, the Liberia National Police, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, the Liberia Immigration Service LIS and other paramilitary forces led the clean-up campaign in collaboration with the Kakata City Corporation (KCC).
This initiative aims not only to beautify the city but also to raise awareness about the importance of sanitation and community pride among residents.
The clean-up campaign, which began on Saturday, August 31, 2024, will continue every last Saturday for a Month according to ACP PATRICK B KORMAZU’s head of Liberia National Police detachment in Margibi County.
This cleaning process has attracted diverse groups of volunteers, including residents, students, and government officials in Margibi and its environs is aimed at collecting gloves, trash bags, and a shared commitment to their community, participants took to the streets, parks, and public spaces to remove litter and debris.
Since his ascendancy as head of the Liberia National Police on July 8, 2024, in Margibi, ACP Patrick B. Kormazu has for the first time launched this exercise to have a positive working environment for all citizens in Margibi and its environs.
“We believe that a clean environment is vital for the health and well-being of our community,” said Patrick B. Kormazu head of the joint Security. “This campaign is about more than just cleaning; it’s about fostering a sense of responsibility and pride among residents. When we take care of our city, we take care of ourselves.”
The partnership with the Kakata City Corporation has proven to be instrumental in the campaign’s success. The corporation provided logistical support, including waste disposal services, and helped mobilize community members to participate. Mayor Gbarngawoe E. Sybyboe expressed his gratitude for the initiative, stating, “It’s heartwarming to see our citizens come together for a common cause. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier Kakata.”
In addition to the clean-up efforts, the campaign included educational components, where volunteers engaged with residents to discuss the impact of littering and proper waste management practices. Organizers hope that these conversations will inspire long-term changes in behavior and foster a culture of sustainability.
As the campaign progressed, residents reacted positively, with many expressing their support for the initiative. “I’ve lived in Kakata my whole life, and I’ve always wanted to see our city clean. This is a step in the right direction,” remarked a local teacher, Sarah Smith.
Join Security and the Kakata City Corporation plan to make these cleaning campaigns a regular
occurrence, hoping to inspire other towns and communities in Margibi County to take similar actions. The next event is scheduled for next month, with hopes for even greater participation and impact.For more information on how to get involved or to join future clean-up efforts, residents are encouraged to reach out to Join Security or the Kakata City Corporation through their respective social media pages. Together, they can pave the way for a cleaner and greener Kakata.
The cleanup campaign stands as a reminder of the power of community collaboration and the importance of taking action to protect the environment. With sustained efforts, Kakata can not only become a cleaner city but also a shining example for others to follow.