Public Health Student Raises Alarm Over Juba Sanitation

By Aluong Maker

Matur Majak Mawut, a third-year public health student at the University of Juba, has expressed deep concern over the poor state of hygiene and sanitation in the capital, warning that the situation poses serious health risks to residents.

In an interview with The Dawn on Saturday, he urged those living in Juba to abandon the culture of prioritising appearance while neglecting their unhygienic surroundings.

“What excuses can South Sudanese offer when the entire capital remains in this deplorable state? Any criticism would be reasonable if such unhygienic conditions were found only in smaller towns, but not in the heart of the nation, Juba,” he stated.

He emphasised that a healthy environment is essential for everyone to thrive. Poor hygiene and sanitation lead to numerous diseases affecting both people and domestic animals, ultimately resulting in loss of life. He argued that cleanliness should take precedence over appearance.

Majak highlighted several high-priority areas that should be kept clean, such as public spaces, streets and parks, hospitals and clinics, restaurants, cafés, and sources of food and water. However, this is not the case in the capital, where poor hygiene and sanitation are prevalent in key areas.

“It reflects poorly on the entire city when areas expected to maintain good hygiene and sanitation, such as Hai-Thoura, Thongpiny, and the Custom markets, are so dirty. Visit the streets, parks, and restaurants in these areas, and you will find them in a terrible state,” Majak explained.

He reiterated that conditions are particularly dire in the Managaaten camps, Hai-Referendum, and Gudele, where maintaining public health and sanitation is extremely challenging due to issues like poor waste management, lack of basic infrastructure, and limited government oversight, leading to serious health risks.

Majak pointed out that South Sudanese citizens often blame their government for failures that fall within their own responsibilities. The prevalence of poor hygiene and sanitation, evidenced by the presence of dead animals and other waste, is a clear indication of this. Yet, no one takes responsibility, and the government is ultimately blamed for neglecting these small tasks that individuals can manage themselves.

“Maintaining hygiene and sanitation is a collective responsibility. Our efforts, starting from our own homes and extending to the streets, will help make Juba clean. We must take this role personally,” Majak implored.

He expressed his surprise at the poor waste management even within institutions that are expected to model good hygiene and sanitation practices.

Majak urged public health students at the University of Juba to monitor those who engage in poor hygiene practices, particularly the issue of open urination on campus walls. He believes educating the public about good hygiene and sanitation is a crucial responsibility for public health students.

“There are two main advantages to living in a clean environment: it prevents the spread of germs and diseases, and it fosters the respect that is rightfully bestowed upon those who prioritise cleanliness,” Majak concluded.