By Lewis S. Teh
MONROVIA, October 21, 2026: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has launched the Presidential Clean City Initiative, a government program aimed at improving urban sanitation while providing short-term employment opportunities for 1,250 young Liberians across eight counties.
Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs Daniel Sando announced the initiative during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, October 20, describing it as part of the government’s efforts to address poor sanitation and promote community participation in environmental management.
According to Sando, the first phase, which began on October 1, 2026, covers 14 cities and one township across eight counties, engaging 1,250 unemployed youths and 30 community-based organizations.
He said at least 40 percent of the participating youths will be women, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion in employment opportunities.
The initiative targets Monrovia and Paynesville in Montserrado County; Ganta, Sanniquellie and Tappita in Nimba County; Gbarnga and Totota in Bong County; Foya and Voinjama in Lofa County; Buchanan in Grand Bassa County; Kakata, Unification City and Unification Township in Margibi County; Tubmanburg in Bomi County; and Zwedru in Grand Gedeh County.
Sando disclosed that the program aims to clean and maintain at least 120 public spaces and 100 drainage systems, while supporting the disposal of approximately 2,000 metric tons of solid waste.
It also seeks to reach at least 5,000 residents through sanitation awareness campaigns and encourage communities to take greater responsibility for maintaining clean public spaces.
The Deputy Minister said the initiative is fully funded by the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, with implementation support from the Ministries of Local Government, Information, and Youth and Sports, alongside the Environmental Protection Agency, municipal authorities and community-based organizations.
The President’s Delivery Unit will independently monitor implementation and track progress against established targets.
Sando emphasized that the program is intended to strengthen cooperation among local authorities, youth groups and communities in addressing sanitation challenges.
“The Presidential Clean City Initiative forms part of the Boakai Administration’s broader efforts to improve sanitary conditions of cities and communities while providing young Liberians opportunity to participate directly in the national development process,” he said.
He added that the government intends to expand the initiative nationwide in subsequent phases.
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