Monrovia, Liberia – In a collaborative effort to combat environmental pollution and promote healthier communities, the European Union Delegation in Liberia today joined forces with the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) and the Liberia National Tourism Association (LNTA) to mark #WorldCleanDay2024. The event, held in West Point, Liberia's largest slum community, was aimed at addressing the growing concern of municipal and marine waste as part of this year’s theme: "Let's tackle municipal and marine waste, creating a better place for tourism."

West Point, a densely populated coastal township, has long struggled with waste management issues due to limited infrastructure and frequent flooding, which exacerbate the spread of waste into the ocean.

EU Ambassador to Liberia, Nona Deprez, emphasized the importance of community engagement and the role such initiatives play in fostering a cleaner and healthier environment for all. "We are glad to join the clean-up. West Point is our neighbour, and we believe that by showing support through these kinds of efforts, more community members will be encouraged to participate in the future. It's for the good of all of us," said Ambassador Deprez. Many thanks also to Hysaa inc, the EU Delegation’s waste management company, that provided the truck that took out the garbage.

Community Engagement Amid Challenges

Despite the challenges posed by heavy downpour of rain, dozens of local community volunteers joined the EU and its partners in cleaning up West Point. Armed with gloves, shovels, and waste bags, the volunteers braved the storm to collect piles of plastic sachets, market bags, and other debris that littered the area’s streets.

One of the community volunteers, Julie Weah, shared her motivation for participating in the event. "I am happy to join the EU in cleaning West Point because it's for our own good. The dirt keeps making people sick. That's why I left my children at home to join and work today," she said. Her sentiment was echoed by many other residents who expressed their desire for a cleaner and safer living environment, noting that poor waste management has long contributed to health problems in the area, including malaria and cholera.

The clean-up concluded with, the EU donating the working tools to the community.