Clean-up campaigns criticised as ineffective by some
A recent community clean-up event in Windhoek has reignited debate over whether such initiatives are effective or merely symbolic.
Former Karibib Town Council CEO Lydia Kandetu has criticised the efforts, describing them as mere “ceremonies” that fail to address the root causes of the city’s waste crisis.
Kandetu made these statements in the comment section underneath a photo the City shared on Facebook over the weekend.
The clean-up, organised by the Tukwatha Youth Organisation at Okapale in Goreangab, saw a strong turnout, especially from young people. The municipality supported the event with cleaning materials and used the platform to promote the Katutura Waste Buy-Back Centre, an initiative that incentivises residents to collect and sell recyclable materials for cash.
The City told Namibian Sun last year that it has been making strides towards a more structured waste management approach through its Waste Buy-Back Centre in Katutura, supported by the European Union (EU).
Over N$164 000 has been paid to residents who collected and sold recyclables to the municipality, with the majority of earnings coming from alcoholic beverage bottles.
Figures released by the City show that N$61 917 was paid for various waste materials, including paper, newspapers, clear plastic, plastic bottles, and beverage cans. Additionally, N$102 159 was paid for 89 661 alcoholic beverage bottles.
Civic pride
Despite these efforts, Kandetu remained sceptical, arguing that periodic clean-ups fail to address the systemic issues of waste management.
“A single clean-up campaign costs between N$60 000 and N$160 000, yet the very next day, the town is dirty again. This proves these campaigns are mere ceremonies, not real solutions," she claimed.
"It’s time to 'just end waste - zero waste'," she added.
In their update, the City emphasised that “these campaigns are not just about cleaning but fostering a culture of responsibility, sustainability and civic pride.”
City officials argue that clean-ups, alongside the Waste Buy-Back Centre, are key to promoting behavioural change. The centre is part of a two-year pilot programme funded by the EU, with N$36.8 million allocated to expand these facilities.
The City is also exploring private sector partnerships to develop additional centres.
Former Karibib Town Council CEO Lydia Kandetu has criticised the efforts, describing them as mere “ceremonies” that fail to address the root causes of the city’s waste crisis.
Kandetu made these statements in the comment section underneath a photo the City shared on Facebook over the weekend.
The clean-up, organised by the Tukwatha Youth Organisation at Okapale in Goreangab, saw a strong turnout, especially from young people. The municipality supported the event with cleaning materials and used the platform to promote the Katutura Waste Buy-Back Centre, an initiative that incentivises residents to collect and sell recyclable materials for cash.
The City told Namibian Sun last year that it has been making strides towards a more structured waste management approach through its Waste Buy-Back Centre in Katutura, supported by the European Union (EU).
Over N$164 000 has been paid to residents who collected and sold recyclables to the municipality, with the majority of earnings coming from alcoholic beverage bottles.
Figures released by the City show that N$61 917 was paid for various waste materials, including paper, newspapers, clear plastic, plastic bottles, and beverage cans. Additionally, N$102 159 was paid for 89 661 alcoholic beverage bottles.
Civic pride
Despite these efforts, Kandetu remained sceptical, arguing that periodic clean-ups fail to address the systemic issues of waste management.
“A single clean-up campaign costs between N$60 000 and N$160 000, yet the very next day, the town is dirty again. This proves these campaigns are mere ceremonies, not real solutions," she claimed.
"It’s time to 'just end waste - zero waste'," she added.
In their update, the City emphasised that “these campaigns are not just about cleaning but fostering a culture of responsibility, sustainability and civic pride.”
City officials argue that clean-ups, alongside the Waste Buy-Back Centre, are key to promoting behavioural change. The centre is part of a two-year pilot programme funded by the EU, with N$36.8 million allocated to expand these facilities.
The City is also exploring private sector partnerships to develop additional centres.
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