Nkhamenya Youths Clean Up River to Combat Waste Pollution

NKHAMENYA, 20 September 2026 — Youths in Nkhamenya on Sunday took part in a clean-up exercise along the Nkhamenya River to help reduce pollution caused by poor waste management.

The exercise was organised by climate change advocate and youth leader Abel Magawa Zimba, with support from River Cleanup.

The youths collected plastic bottles, papers and other waste from the river and surrounding areas.

Magawa said he organised the exercise in response to growing concerns over poor waste management in the area.

“A lot of waste is being poorly managed, and this is polluting our rivers and land,” he said.

He urged residents to stop dumping waste in rivers and other water bodies.

“Rivers and other water bodies are important to our communities. We should manage our waste properly and also practise recycling,” Magawa said.

One of the participating youths, Faith Mafuta, said she joined the exercise to contribute to environmental protection.

“I decided to join the exercise because I wanted to help protect our environment and keep our rivers clean for the community. I saw a lot of waste around the river, so it felt good to work with other youths to make our environment cleaner,” Mafuta said.

Mafuta also urged residents to work together to protect the river and avoid dumping waste into it.

The clean-up formed part of activities marking World Cleanup Day 2026, which is being observed under the theme “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities,” promoting waste reduction and cleaner communities.