The three-hour cleanup involved over 20 youths equipped with brooms, rakes, wheelbarrows, two trucks for litter, and large polythene bags.
County Commissioner Pole Pole Benjamin Olum stated the activity is a preventive measure against hygiene-related diseases like cholera.
“It is very important, as we have been getting a lot of complaints from the community and the market. We are cleaning all the public areas. This is the first of its kind, but we will continue with this kind of activity,” said Pole Pole as he joined the group of youth volunteers.
Organisations, including the South Sudan Prison Service, South Sudan Red Cross, and businesspeople in Magwi centre, alongside youth volunteers, supported the campaign.
Kabila Laurence, the campaign chairperson, emphasised its role in preventing diseases related to hygiene, water, and sanitation.
“We are aware that there is a cholera outbreak in South Sudan, and Eastern Equatoria is not excluded from the country or states affected by the outbreak,” he cited. He urged community members and businesses to support the youth-led initiative through actions and encouragement.
Laker Angel, a committee member, encouraged women to participate, noting their role in community well-being.
“Among these people, we encourage the community, especially the women in the market, to maintain the market’s hygiene. We have heard of the impact of cholera, meaning if we do not maintain hygiene here, there will be a problem,” she added.
The ongoing cholera outbreak has claimed 919 lives and infected nearly 49,000 people in South Sudan as of April 2025.
With the rainy season accelerating the outbreak, community-led initiatives by youths and residents must maintain environmental hygiene, use cholera oral vaccines, and treat water for consumption.
