Governor Adil and Juba Mayor cut the ribbon at the Juba City Council. Photo: Office of the Governor.

The Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, has declared every Saturday a city-wide cleaning day as part of efforts to make Juba cleaner, greener and safer.

The weekly cleaning exercises will be conducted from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., involving government institutions, communities, businesses, schools, religious institutions and development partners.

Governor Adil announced the measure while briefing the Juba City Legislative Council on Thursday, where he outlined a roadmap to improve urban management and municipal services.

He identified three key priorities for Juba; keeping the city clean, green and safe.

On waste management, the governor called for better systems to collect, transport and dispose of solid waste from markets, streets, residential areas, public institutions and commercial centres.

He also called for more tree planting along major roads and around public institutions, schools, health facilities, markets and recreational areas.

“The Juba we build today must remain liveable for generations to come,” Governor Adil said.

Governor Adil urged the Juba City Council to consider a “One Citizen, One Tree” initiative and called on residents to protect existing trees and expand green spaces.

The governor also called for stronger urban planning and enforcement of development standards, including the protection of public land and road reserves.

He said improving roads and drainage systems would reduce transport costs and help minimise flooding during the rainy season.

Governor Adil further called for simpler business licensing procedures, digital collection of taxes and fees, stronger private-sector partnerships and improved sanitation in markets.

He also highlighted the need for better traffic management, designated parking areas, pedestrian-friendly streets and long-term public transport planning.

On security, the governor called for closer cooperation among security agencies, the city administration, Quarter Councils and communities.

He said this should include community policing, improved street lighting and better systems for reporting security and municipal concerns.

Governor Adil said transforming Juba requires collective efforts from the government, residents, businesses, community leaders, religious institutions and development partners.