Keeping Juba clean must go hand in hand with ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water for all citizens.
A clean environment is not only about collecting rubbish, clearing drainage systems and maintaining tidy streets; it also involves protecting water sources and ensuring that communities have access to safe water for their daily needs.
The government of Central Equatoria State and Juba City Council must recognise that environmental cleanliness and public health are closely connected.
Poor waste disposal, blocked drainage systems and careless dumping of rubbish can contaminate water sources, exposing residents to diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea and other waterborne infections.
Authorities should strengthen waste management systems, regularly inspect water sources, improve sanitation facilities and ensure that water supplied to households meets safety standards.
Public awareness campaigns should also encourage residents to maintain proper hygiene and avoid dumping waste near rivers, wells and other water sources.
Furthermore, the government should invest in expanding clean water infrastructure, particularly in overcrowded neighbourhoods where residents struggle to access safe drinking water.
A clean Juba cannot be achieved while citizens continue drinking unsafe water. Protecting the environment and providing clean water must therefore remain shared government priorities. A healthy city begins with a clean environment and safe drinking water for everyone.