WESNET Executive Director Willies Mwandira says the initiative, which was aimed to thwart spread of waterborne diseases and other ailments spread by lack of sanitation, is not fully embraced and supported.

Mwandira was speaking during a cleanup exercise held Friday at Nsungwi Market in Lilongwe.

He thinks stakeholders should embrace the exercise and see to it that their surroundings are clean.

“We should embrace clean-ups and it should become a lifestyle. This is the country that we have and we should ensure that we take part in ensuring that the surroundings are clean.

“However, if you check, the turn up for this exercise is low, which is worrying. We need to improve on organization so that this exercise is fruitful,” suggested Mwandira.

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Liana Kakhobwe Chapota concurred with Mwandira, saying Malawians have to join hands in supporting President Chakwera in the cleanup exercise.

She said only healthy people will contribute ably in developing the country.

“We chose Nsungwi Market because many people ply their trade here. We have heard concerns raised by vendors here and we will see to it that this market is clean,” said Chapota.

President Chakwera launched the National Clean-Up Day on November 11, 2020.

The day was initially set to be observed every second Friday of the month but now individuals, organisations, local councils and government departments appear to do so at random.

Local councils, government departments and other stakeholders are encouraged to lead the campaigns.