The Liberian Senate has received a proposed bill from Grand Kru County Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa seeking to legally declare the first Saturday of every month as National Sanitation Day, a move intended to elevate an existing policy into enforceable national law.
In his communication to Senate Plenary, Senator Bartekwa emphasized the importance of a clean and healthy environment, describing sanitation as both a civic duty and a moral obligation. He referenced the widely known maxim that “cleanliness is next to godliness,” saying Liberia’s foundation on Christian principles reinforces the need for citizens to take responsibility for their surroundings. According to him, Liberians and foreign residents have already grown accustomed to observing monthly sanitation activities, which further strengthens the case for formal legislation.
The Senator highlighted the longstanding sanitation practice introduced during the administration of former Monrovia City Mayor Mary Broh. Under that policy—still observed today—shops, markets, and business centers remain closed on the first Saturday of every month from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. to allow community members to clean their homes, streets, and public spaces. Bartekwa’s bill aims to codify this practice, ensuring nationwide compliance and giving it the full force of law.
Titled “A Bill to Declare the First Saturday of Every Month National Sanitation Day in the Republic of Liberia,” the proposed legislation calls for all citizens and foreign residents to participate in a mandatory four-hour cleanup exercise. Senator Bartekwa argued that legislating the observance will heighten public seriousness toward sanitation, promote healthier living conditions, and improve the cleanliness of cities, towns, villages, communities, marketplaces, business centers, and tourism sites across the country.
During the Senate’s December 4 session, it was moved that the bill be considered for its first reading and subsequently forwarded to a joint committee for proper scrutiny. The motion received a second and was approved by plenary, constituting the bill’s first reading.
The proposed legislation will now be reviewed by the relevant joint committee, after which it is expected to return to the Senate floor for further debate and possible passage. Senator Bartekwa expressed confidence in its timely approval, underscoring that nationwide sanitation is vital for public health, tourism, and national image.
If enacted, Liberia will have a legally established National Sanitation Day, obligating citizens across the country to engage in consistent, structured cleanup activities aimed at improving environmental hygiene and community well-being.
