By Professor Douglas BOATENG
The state of our streets and gutters is more than an environmental concern. It is a mirror reflecting our collective values, priorities, and responsibilities.
The plastic bottles clogging drains, the stagnant water in gutters, and the heaps of trash littering our cities are not the government’s doing: they are ours.
Each piece of litter and every choked gutter is a testimony to our refusal to take ownership of the spaces we share. The inconvenient truth is that our streets and gutters are not dirty because they must be; they are dirty because we have made them so.
- Who bears the responsibility?
Blaming the government is easy. We expect it to clean up after us, to enforce policies, and to fix the mess we create. But policies alone do not clog gutters or litter streets. People do. A plastic bottle thrown into a gutter or trash dumped into an open drain is not the government’s fault. It is the result of individuals failing to see the harm caused by their actions.
Rwanda provides a striking contrast. Often celebrated as one of Africa’s cleanest nations, its transformation was not solely the result of government policies. It stemmed from the active participation of its people. Monthly community clean-up events, known as Umuganda, bring citizens together to clean their neighborhoods, including their gutters. This initiative fosters a sense of shared responsibility.
Rwanda’s decision to ban plastic bags in 2008, though initially met with resistance, is now hailed as visionary. Today, Kigali’s streets and gutters are pristine—not because of government enforcement alone, but because the people have embraced cleanliness as part of their culture.
This lesson is clear. The transformation of any environment begins with individual accountability. Streets and gutters are not choked with waste because governments have failed. They are choked because people have abandoned their responsibility to protect them.
- Success stories: cleanliness through responsibility
Many nations have faced environmental crises and turned their fortunes around. Their stories prove that change is achievable through bold leadership, community involvement, and practical policies.
- Rwanda: a culture of cleanliness: Rwanda’s journey began with a bold decision to ban plastic bags. Initially met with skepticism, this policy has had a profound impact. Citizens embraced alternatives, and combined with Umuganda, the streets and gutters of Rwanda are among the cleanest in Africa. This transformation was not achieved by enforcement alone. It was driven by a culture of shared responsibility, where citizens take pride in their environment.
- Singapore: from polluted to pristine: In the 1960s, Singapore was plagued by polluted gutters, streets, and poor public hygiene. Recognizing the need for change, the government introduced strict anti-littering laws, built advanced waste management infrastructure, and launched public education campaigns. Today, Singapore’s spotless streets and functioning drainage systems are global benchmarks of cleanliness. This transformation combined enforcement, education, and investment in infrastructure.
- South Korea: making recycling a way of life: South Korea faced overwhelming waste problems until it introduced a volume-based waste disposal system. Citizens paid for waste collection based on the amount they generated, incentivizing waste reduction. Today, South Korea boasts one of the world’s highest recycling rates. Clean streets and unblocked gutters are a testament to how aligning incentives with responsibility can bring about significant change.
- Costa Rica: restoring the environment: Costa Rica reversed decades of deforestation through aggressive reforestation policies and financial incentives for landowners. The nation also focused on eco-tourism, building a culture of environmental stewardship. Clean rivers and thriving ecosystems prove that environmental restoration is possible when governments and citizens work together.
- Germany: a leader in renewable energy: Germany’s Energiewende initiative has positioned it as a global leader in renewable energy. Through investments in solar, wind, and waste-to-energy projects, Germany has drastically reduced its carbon footprint. Their commitment to clean energy ensures that streets, air, and waterways remain uncontaminated, benefiting future generations.
These examples show that transformation is not a distant dream. It requires leadership, collective action, and sustained effort.
- The cost of neglect
Neglecting our streets and gutters has dire consequences. Clogged drains lead to flooding, stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for disease, and polluted streets create health and safety hazards. These issues are not acts of nature; they are the result of human negligence.
In Ghana, urban flooding is a recurring problem, exacerbated by plastic waste clogging drainage systems. Heavy rains overwhelm gutters, causing water mixed with garbage to spill into streets and homes. Property is destroyed, lives are endangered, and communities are left to deal with preventable disasters.
In Pakistan, the catastrophic floods of 2022 displaced millions and caused billions of dollars in damage. While climate change played a role, unchecked deforestation and poor urban planning magnified the disaster. Gutters and drainage systems, overwhelmed with waste, failed to mitigate the flooding.
These examples remind us that neglecting our environment comes at a heavy cost—both human and financial.
- Taking responsibility for change
Transformation begins with us. Governments can create policies, but policies are meaningless without public participation. Each person must take ownership of their role in environmental stewardship.
- Dispose of waste responsibly: Carry your trash until you find a bin. Do not dump waste into gutters or on streets. Every piece of properly disposed waste reduces the burden on the environment and prevents clogged drainage systems.
- Reduce and recycle: Minimize the use of single-use plastics. Embrace recycling wherever possible. Small changes in daily habits can significantly reduce the waste burden.
- Participate in community action: Organize or join local clean-up initiatives. When communities come together to clean streets and clear gutters, the results are immediate and inspiring.
- Hold others accountable: Encourage friends, family, and neighbors to dispose of waste responsibly. Challenge littering and advocate for cleaner surroundings. Collective change begins with individual actions.
The journey to cleaner streets and gutters starts with small steps. Imagine a city where every resident takes ownership of one piece of trash daily. The transformation would be monumental.
- Hope for renewal
The earth has an extraordinary capacity for healing if given the chance. Forests can regrow. Rivers can run clear. Gutters can flow freely. Streets can become clean again. However, this healing depends on us. The success stories of Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Costa Rica, and Germany demonstrate that change is achievable when individuals and governments work together. Environmental neglect is not irreversible. It requires effort, leadership, and a collective mindset shift.
- Gutters and streets reflect our conscience
The filth in our gutters and on our streets is more than an environmental issue. It is a reflection of our values, priorities, and the pride we take in our communities. Governments cannot solve this problem alone. Real change begins with each of us taking responsibility for our actions. Clean streets and clear gutters are not just about aesthetics. They are about public health, safety, and dignity. They reflect a society that values itself and its future.
Let us ensure that the state of our streets and gutters mirrors a society that takes pride in its surroundings. When every person takes responsibility for their environment, entire communities thrive. As the saying goes, when everyone sweeps their front yard, the whole village becomes clean. Let us begin with our yards, our streets, and our habits. The time to act is now.
>>>the writer is a globally celebrated thought leader, Chartered Director, industrial engineer, supply chain management expert, and social entrepreneur known for his transformative contributions to industrialisation, procurement, and strategic sourcing in developing nations.
As Africa’s first Professor Extraordinaire for Supply Chain Governance and Industrialization, he has advised governments, businesses, and policymakers, driving sustainability and growth. During his tenure as Chairman of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) and Labadi Beach Hotel, he led these institutions to global recognition for innovation and operational excellence. He is also the past chairman of the Public Procurement Authority.
A prolific author of over 90 publications, he is the creator of NyansaKasa (Words of Wisdom), a thought-provoking platform with over one million daily readers. Through his visionary leadership, Professor Boateng continues to inspire ethical governance, innovation, and youth empowerment, driving Africa toward a sustainable and inclusive future.
