Supporting Ilala City Clean-Up Campaigns
The role of the government in maintaining clean and healthy cities is indispensable. In Tanzania, this commitment is evident through local campaigns that aim to uplift urban environments and promote public health. We at Juza Waste Pickers Initiative (JWPI) have been at the forefront in supporting the ongoing cleanliness campaign spearheaded by the Ilala Municipal Council under the leadership of Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo. This campaign, held every Saturday, is part of a broader government initiative to uphold environmental hygiene across the city.
This effort is more than just a weekly event, it’s a statement of responsibility and unity. We are proud to support and heed the call made by the Ilala District Commissioner and Elihuruma Mabelya, Director of the Dar es Salaam City Council. Their leadership continues to mobilize communities, institutions, and organizations to take part actively in this critical environmental mission.
Amid these efforts, it is important to recognize the often-overlooked heroes of city cleanliness: waste pickers. In Tanzania, especially in urban centers like Dar es Salaam, waste pickers play a vital role in collecting, sorting, and redirecting waste away from landfills and into recycling systems. Their labor reduces environmental pollution, enhances sanitation, and contributes to the circular economy.
Waste pickers are not just informal workers, they are essential city service providers. They work daily under challenging conditions to ensure our streets, markets, and neighborhoods remain clean and livable. In the city center, where waste volumes are high, their contribution is even more critical. Without their work, the waste burden on the municipal system would be far greater.
In city centers like Ilala, their work is especially vital. These areas are hubs of economic activity, attracting thousands of people each day. Without effective waste management, such urban spaces would quickly become overwhelmed with litter, posing serious health and environmental risks. Waste pickers ensure that recyclable waste is sorted, organic waste is diverted from public spaces, and streets remain walkable and safe.
Cleanliness is a cornerstone of sustainable urban development. Campaigns like these foster improved public health by reducing waste-related diseases, increased investment appeal as cleaner cities attract businesses and tourists, community pride and ownership by involving residents in shaping the environment they live in and environmental awareness and behavioral change, especially among youth and urban dwellers. Environmental campaigns also strengthen partnerships between the government, civil society, and citizens. They remind us that keeping our cities clean is a shared responsibility.
Our mission has always been to empower waste pickers, promote environmental justice, and support inclusive city waste systems. By participating in the Ilala cleanliness campaign, we align our grassroots efforts with national goals. It gives us a platform to showcase the value of waste pickers and ensure their work is respected and integrated into formal systems.
Moreover, these campaigns give our members visibility and dignity, they are seen as contributors to public good, not just people who deal with waste. When the government and communities recognize their role, it opens doors to better working conditions, social support, and policy inclusion.
Together with the Ilala Municipal Council, the district leadership, and fellow citizens, we remain committed to keeping our city clean, not just on Saturdays, but every day. Clean cities are made by clean habits, collective action, and the inclusion of everyone, especially those who work behind the scenes. Let us continue to walk this path, hand in hand, for a cleaner, healthier Dar es Salaam.We have proudly taken a frontline role in supporting the ongoing cleanliness campaign organized by the Ilala City Council and led by the District Commissioner of Ilala. This Saturday campaign, held weekly, is a continuation of the government’s strong efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment for all.
