Johannesburg, South Africa — In the bustling streets of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, a grassroots movement is taking root, aimed at combating the city’s escalating waste crisis.
A group of young volunteers, led by 22-year-old Mickael Yao, have formed the NGO Clean Street, dedicating themselves to the task of clearing rubbish-clogged drains and advocating for cleaner streets.
The initiative, which now counts over 60 members, is a response to the prevalent attitude among many Ivorians that littering is an acceptable practice. Yao’s vision is clear: “We have to fight against this for good health and for the future of a country, because any country that wants to be developed must first be clean, “he asserts. Yao’s message has resonated far and wide, thanks in part to his TikTok videos, which have garnered hundreds of thousands of views.
The Clean Street movement is not just about cleaning; it’s about raising awareness about the environmental and health consequences of improper waste management. Despite facing skepticism from some older generations who view the young volunteers’efforts as disrespectful, the Clean Street movement is gaining traction.
The team’s focus on young people and school engagement is paying off, as they aim to instill a sense of civic duty and responsibility from an early age. Abidjan, the economic capital of Ivory Coast, generates at least 4,500 tonnes of household waste daily, with plastic being the primary source of pollution.
The city’s waste management challenges are compounded by irregular collections and a lack of bins, which contribute to public health issues and environmental degradation. Sarrahn Ouattara, director general of the National Waste Management Agency, acknowledges the plastic crisis, noting the ineffective enforcement of a 2013 decree banning plastic bags. Despite these challenges, the Clean Street volunteers remain undeterred, engaging with the community to promote better waste management practices.
As Abidjan grapples with its waste crisis, the Clean Street movement offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating the potential of youth — driven activism and community engagement in addressing environmental challenges.
The volunteers’efforts are not only cleaning the streets but also fostering a culture of sustainability and responsibility that could shape the city’s future.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Dominic Wabwireh
