Rwanda peacekeepers, officials from South Sudan Red Cross Society, wildlife service and civil society organizations launched a clean-up campaign in Torit town on Tuesday.
The exercise was carried out ahead of World Peace Day celebrations. Residents of Torit town celebrated the day on Wednesday.
Speaking during the exercise, the state chairperson for the Peace and Reconciliation Commission, German Charles Ojok pointed out that the garbage often poses threats to the local population.
“We have to make sure that our environment is clean, the waste has be well managed because it causes a lot of diseases and when there is sickness, you cannot celebrate,” Ojok said.
He further said a clean environment helps protect human lives.
The head of public information at the United Nations mission in Torit field office, Semira Salifu said the UN peacekeepers joined the exercise to sensitize people on the importance of a clean environment.
“We want to give back to the community in terms of supporting the people to clean up the town,” she said.
For his part, the governor of Torit State, Tobiolo Alberio Oromo advised citizens to declare war against poverty and diseases.
“Now we have collectively stopped violence, conflict and wars in Torit state. What is left now is war against poverty, diseases and we can fight this through having a clean environment,” Oromo said.
“We must keep Torit clean, keep our government, public and private institutions clean and ensure Torit is evergreen. We have to clean, slash, collect rubbish and burn to minimize diseases,” he added.
Wani James John, a local youth in Torit town, said protecting the environment is one of the key developmental issues that citizens need to take as a priority. He further said some citizens often throw rubbish without knowing its impact.
This year's World Peace Day focused on combating climate change as a way to protect and promote peace throughout the world.