OBSERVER COASTAL | Nearly 1 000 bags of rubbish collected in Walvis Bay

Renthia Kaimbi More than 990 bags of rubbish were collected in Walvis Bay, after community members, businesses, volunteers, and municipal teams joined forces for the first Mayoral Clean Up Campaign two weeks ago. Led by Walvis Bay mayor Johannes Shimbilinga, the coordinated day transformed public spaces across the coastal town, with clean-up activities focused mainly in Kuisebmond, Narraville, and the town centre. Held in observance of World Biodiversity Day and under the global theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” the campaign began at Tutaleni High School before participants dispersed to designated areas.

Addressing volunteers, Shimbilinga emphasised that the initiative represented more than a once-off exercise. “This Mayoral Clean Up is not simply about picking up rubbish; it is about restoring dignity to our public spaces, protecting the plants and animals that share our environment, and inspiring others to follow our lead,” he said. The Mayor thanked corporate partners, sponsors, and municipal teams, encouraging residents to continue reducing waste, reusing materials, and helping to protect local biodiversity.