Despite our tireless efforts to have clean ups on alternate weekends, we began to realize and question whether such efforts where relatively effective to the consistently increasing problem. or are they?
After much thought we recognized the need to raise 'EFFECTIVE AWARENESS' which we believed would be the best approach to 'GIVING PEOPLE THE CHANCE TO HAVE A PROJECTED VOICE ON THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE WHICH WILL GIVE THE PEOPLE IN RETURN REASONS TO MAKE A CHANGE'This purpose saw us return to Mama Ngina Drive, but this time to go and interview the people who pass and work in and around the park. While conducting these interviews, we took several videos, pictures as well as sound recordings to give people the opportunity to have an 'ENVIRONMENTAL VOICE' on the situation.
We asked individuals what they their opinion was considering the levels of garbage in the area and what they thought needed to be done in order to improve the condition; “Those in charge of this place have a greater responsibility in ensuring the area is clean because people come from different areas simply to relax but it’s so sad that the place itself is dirty and no one cares about it; teenagers should come and clean up where possible; it is every ones responsibility to ensure their environment is clean; we are proud of this place but my fear is that we can even contract diseases especially when we come with children. Guards have to be brought to make sure that those who litter around are caught and warned not to do so otherwise...”
We also inquired the same individual what he would tell the people that use this area in regard to the present condition of the area if given a chance to address them; "Well…I would advise them to put up of a fence around the area, guards to be brought to ensure people don’t mess up this place and also some workers to collect any garbage that is around here thus people will be more careful and take individual responsibility for the trash they bring…it’s because we have the option that we end up messing the place. People have to be informed! authorities have to take their responsibility! Period!"
In general, out of all the other individuals we interviewed, people think it’s only those people who buy foodstuffs from the hawkers who are the ones who litter the most in this area. They also would like the management to hire enforcers/guards to make sure that people do not litter around and they would like an increase in the facilities available such as toilets and a more even distribution of dustbins especially further inside the park.
Some also think that the national museum that once originated the park should take charge again and people should be informed of the importance of keeping the area clean.
We were able to collect the reasons for the constant increase of the garbage. Apparently, according to the “people’s voice”, it is because no one bothers to collect the garbage so it keeps on increasing and accumulating. There are also no facilities for people to use so if someone has to go to the toilet they simple do on the grass and nearby bushes. Carelessness is also another major issue.
“The managers of the park, I believe, have failed to live up to the expectations. The bins are not enough and it is hard for those people who come to hang out here to use them efficiently because they are located along the road and they are not distributed well enough around the area”
All the individuals chose to remain anonymous.
To sum up the article, Mama Ngina Drive and the residents of Mombasa require awareness that is effective and draws their attention to this crisis. People need to be aware that development starts on a small scale, and Mama Ngina Drive is an exceptional place to start. We need you as readers to comment to support us raise awareness for this good cause.
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