13/07/2026
The Municipality of Otjiwarongo will conduct a Town Clean-Up Campaign on Friday, 17 July 2026, and hence would like to invite every resident, business, school, church, sports club, community organisation and government institution to be part of this important initiative.
The assembly point will be at Etale/Etambi Bar from 06:30. To assist with planning, we encourage everyone to register before the event with Eppy +264 81 162 3544 or Corry +264 81 125 5458.
This campaign is about restoring civic pride, protecting public health and reminding ourselves that a clean town begins with responsible citizens.
People sometimes ask, "Why is the Municipality asking residents to clean the town when we already pay rates and taxes?" That is a fair question.
The Municipality has a legal responsibility under the Local Authorities Act, 1992 (Act No. 23 of 1992), as amended, to provide refuse removal services, maintain public spaces and promote a clean and healthy environment.
Section 30(1)(c) empowers local authorities to provide services for the removal and disposal of refuse.
Section 30(1)(e) empowers councils to construct and maintain streets and public places.
Section 30(1)(n) further empowers councils to maintain the neatness and beautification of the local authority area.
These responsibilities remain with the Municipality, and we continue to discharge them through our Solid Waste Management Division and other municipal services.
However, there is one thing legislation cannot do.
It cannot stop someone from throwing a takeaway box out of a vehicle.
It cannot stop someone from dumping building rubble in an open space.
It cannot stop someone from leaving household waste next to a refuse skip instead of disposing of it properly.
That responsibility rests with all of us and this is where the community comes in. The reality is that our municipal teams
clean many areas repeatedly, only to find the same places littered again a few days later. Hence, illegal dumping remains one of the biggest challenges facing our town.
The campaign is therefore about working together to solve a problem that affects us all. A cleaner Otjiwarongo requires a partnership between the Municipality and every resident.
Respect our town. Respect the signs.
Throughout Otjiwarongo, the Municipality has erected signs warning against illegal dumping. These signs are there for a reason, we therefore appeal to every resident to respect these notices.
If an area is marked "No Dumping", please do not dump waste there. The dangers of illegal dumping are that it damages our environment, creates health risks, blocks stormwater channels and places an unnecessary financial burden on ratepayers because municipal resources have to be redirected to clean the same areas repeatedly.
Use the bins provided. The Municipality has mounted litter bins throughout the central business district and in Orwetoveni to make it easier for residents to dispose of waste responsibly hence, we encourage everyone to make use of these bins.
If you have bought food or drinks while in town, please dispose of takeaway containers, sweet wrappers, plastic bags, bottles and cans in the nearest bin.
If a bin is not immediately available, carry your waste with you until you find one or take it home for proper disposal.
Household wheelie bins are intended for normal domestic waste such as paper, plastics, food packaging and other light household refuse.
They should not be filled with sand, stones or building rubble, as this damages equipment and prevents collection.
If your household regularly produces more waste than your current bin can accommodate, you are encouraged to apply to the Municipality for an additional wheelie bin at an additional cost.
Residents should also ensure that their wheelie bins are presented for collection on the scheduled collection day and should never empty household waste into street skips or public open spaces.
The purpose of skip containers
Another issue we frequently encounter is the misuse of municipal skip containers. These skips are intended primarily for garden waste that cannot fit into household wheelie bins.
They are not designed for household refuse, food waste, building rubble or dead animals. Please also refrain from burning waste inside skip containers, as this damages municipal property and creates unnecessary fire hazards.
By using skips correctly, we ensure that they remain available and functional for the benefit of the entire community.
Large quantities of waste.
Residents undertaking renovations, landscaping or major clean-ups often generate larger volumes of waste.
Where waste exceeds the capacity of normal household bins or skips, residents are encouraged to arrange their own transport to the municipal disposal site.
Alternatively, the Municipality's Solid Waste Management Division can be contacted to provide a quotation for collection services.
This helps prevent illegal dumping and ensures waste is disposed of safely and lawfully.
If you witness illegal dumping or observe someone disposing of waste unlawfully, please report it immediately. Residents can contact the Municipality on: 081 126 5128 or 081 202 2222.
Your report could help prevent environmental damage and ensure that offenders are held accountable.
And on Friday, 17th July 2026, let us come together as one community for the Town Clean-Up Campaign. Together, we can build an Otjiwarongo that is cleaner, healthier, more attractive and one that every resident is proud to call home.
Yours in service,
OtjiMun
The Municipality of Otjiwarongo is pleased to announce the 2026 Clean-Up Campaign and invites all residents, businesses, community organisations, schools, churches, and public institutions to take part.
A clean and healthy environment is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can improve the cleanliness of our town, promote public health, and foster a stronger sense of community pride.
This campaign provides an opportunity for all of us to play our part in creating a cleaner, safer, and more attractive Otjiwarongo.
Every contribution matters. Join us. Get involved. Make a difference. To participate call 0811623544 and/or 0811255458
