Kibaha District Commissioner Nickson Simon has called on residents and business owners to make cleanliness a daily habit, warning that those who continue dumping waste in public places will face legal action.
Mr Simon issued the warning on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, during the launch of a joint environmental cleanliness campaign in Kibaha Municipal Council, which began with cleaning activities at seven locations and is expected to cover all 73 streets in the municipality.
He said maintaining a clean environment should not depend on organised cleaning campaigns but should become part of residents’ everyday lives.
“Cleanliness is a culture, and it starts with individuals. Every resident and business owner should clean and protect the environment around them,” Mr Simon said.
He said some residents continued to dispose of rubbish irresponsibly even when waste collection facilities had been provided.
“Some people see waste bins and still throw rubbish beside them. We will use the law in enforcing cleanliness, including imposing fines,” he said.
The district commissioner said the municipal authorities would continue providing public education and mobilising residents to keep their homes, businesses and surrounding areas clean.
The campaign comes as local authorities intensify preparations for the expected October rains, with Mr Simon directing the municipality to clear drainage systems and identify areas that could be vulnerable to flooding.
Kibaha Municipal Director Dr Rogers Shemwelekwa said the council had started implementing the directives, including clearing drainage channels and identifying flood-prone areas.
“We have already started implementing these directives, including clearing drainage channels and identifying all areas that are at risk,” Dr Shemwelekwa said.
Speaking on behalf of residents, Mailimoja Ward councillor Ramadhani Lutambi said residents had received the directive and would work with the authorities to improve cleanliness in their communities.
He said public education would be important in encouraging residents to adopt cleanliness as a routine rather than something done only during organised campaigns.
The joint cleanliness campaign is expected to continue across Kibaha Municipal Council, covering all 73 streets.