PUBLIC CLEAN-UP EXERCISE

PUBLIC CLEAN-UP EXERCISE
Place: CENTRAL MARKET, BWITINGI, BUEA
Organizer: The Environmental Compendium Association [TECA] In Partnership With University of Buea Commonwealth Club [UBCWC]
Date: Sunday, 7th June 2026

Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For Our Future

In commemoration of World Environment Day 2026, The Environmental Compendium Association [TECA], in partnership with the University of Buea Commonwealth Club [UBCWC], successfully carried out a public clean-up exercise at the Central Market, Bwitingi, Buea.

The activity brought together youth volunteers, market stakeholders, and institutional partners to promote environmental sustainability, improve solid waste management, and foster civic responsibility for a cleaner and healthier Buea.

The exercise was designed to:

• Promote environmental sustainability and proper solid waste management at the community level;
• Reduce environmental pollution and prevent public health hazards associated with poor waste disposal;
• Raise civic awareness on individual and collective responsibility for environmental protection;
• Strengthen youth engagement in climate action and community service.

Volunteers were deployed to designated zones within and around the Central Market for waste collection, raking, sweeping, and evacuation.

The exercise was executed with the technical and logistical support of HYSACAM and the Buea Municipal Council, which provided Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], waste bags, bins, and a garbage truck for final collection and disposal. The presence of a Council representative reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to environmental protection and community partnership.

The exercise recorded spontaneous participation from some market vendors who joined volunteers on site, demonstrating growing community ownership.

Plastic waste was observed as the dominant pollutant within the market area, highlighting the urgent need for strengthened extended producer responsibility and sustained public education on responsible waste disposal and reduction of single-use plastics.

The clean-up exercise was successfully completed. The Central Market and its environs were cleared of accumulated waste, contributing to a cleaner, safer, and healthier public space for traders and customers.

More importantly, the activity demonstrated the tangible impact of multi-stakeholder collaboration between civil society, youth organizations, local government, and waste management agencies in advancing environmental goals.

Every clean street, every piece of waste properly disposed, and every green space preserved advances our collective duty to intergenerational equity and a sustainable future.

TECA remains committed to leading community driven environmental actions that protect our environment and inspire climate action.

Act locally, protect globally.

The Environmental Compendium Association [TECA]