Government has suspended large gatherings during the National Clean-up Day initiative effective February 12, 2021.

In a statement jointly signed by the Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Local Government, Charles Kalemba and the Secretary for the Ministry of Forestry, Dr. Yanira Ntupanyama, individuals should conduct the activities in their respective homes and surroundings.

The suspension is as a result of the current Covid-19 situation and in with the new guidelines for the management of covid-19 and it will remain in force until the pandemic situation eases in the country.

The two ministries have thus urged the public to conduct the clean-up activities in their respective homes and surrounding areas to avoid littering.

Institutions have also been encouraged and urged to strengthen their waste management systems and keep all premises clean at all time.

However, the ministries have condemned in strongest terms individuals and institutions failure to properly handle and dispose covid-19 protective equipment such as gloves, face masks and aprons among others.

The two entities say the improper disposal of such is a crime punishable by law and have since warned the public that they will face the law once caught in the act.

Government initiated the national clean-up day which is held the second Friday of every month with an aim of promoting tidiness in the country’s cities.