By Prudence Minayo
Africa has some of the most beautiful cities in the world. The cleanliness of a city is measured by different factors including: solid waste disposal, accessibility to fresh water and amount of Carbon (iv) oxide released to the atmosphere.
Most clean cities in Africa are surrounded by an array of green trees that help absorb carbon (IV) oxide and keep the air clean.
Below is a little list of top 10 cleanest cities in Africa from bottom to top.
Windhoek, Namibia
Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia with a population of about 445,000 people. Inspired by German architecture and street names, Windhoek is the only country in Africa where most people speak German. Windhoek municipality is always engaging the local community to keep its environment clean. This city is relatively safe, clean and so comfortable to walk around. The capital city’s good roads and train systems reduce congestion in the city and have unique stopping places along the course. All of these have contributed to the cleanliness of the city.
Nairobi,Kenya
Often referred to as the green city under the sun, Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya with a population of over 4 people according to the 2019 census. Although the city has a high population, it records low carbon (iv) oxide emissions than other cities its size. Majority of the people within the city prefer to walk or use motorbikes rather than private cars to ease the monstrous vehicle congestion. Furthermore, the city has banned plastic bags for both locals and visitors.
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Johannesburg, South Africa
It is the largest city in South Africa with a population of more than 5 million. The city offers natural beauty coupled with a wide array of parks, gardens and avenues.
The municipality of Johannesburg was known for having a high amount of industrial waste pollution and traffic congestion. However, the municipality has increased efforts to guarantee that the residents live in a healthy and clean environment.
The creation of rapid transport systems and recycling measures has enabled this city to follow an environmentally conscious path. Despite being one of South Africa’s densely populated areas, it has been awarded the most environmentally friendly metropolitan accolade several times.
Gaborone, Botswana
Gaborone is the capital city of Botswana with a population of over 200,000 people. This city has a reputation of being safe, politically and economically stable. In addition, it is one of the world’s largest diamond producers. Although the city is so small, it is quite modern, cosmopolitan and fascinating. It is actively managed by the Gaborone city council which is responsible for coming up with programs and initiatives to keep the city clean. The board has successfully managed to tidy up the city through supervising frequent solid waste collection, disposing and recycling. Furthermore, it has enforced some laws and taught the local population on how to reduce, recycle, reuse and dispose of waste. If you visit Gaborone, you will be impressed by its parks, fresh gardens and a beautiful array of trees by the roadside that provide clean air and shade.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
It is the largest economic center of Tanzania. It lies on the Indian Ocean shores and has a population of over 7m people. Regardless of being an old town, it is one of the cleanest urban areas in the continent. The city administration performs clean ups on all parts of the city including its reservoirs. It has even placed a ban on plastic bags to reduce land pollution levels. Currently, half of the city and its surrounding areas are covered with trees that absorb carbon (IV) oxide and release large amounts of oxygen in the atmosphere.
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Accra, Ghana
Accra is the capital city of Ghana with a population of over 2 million people and has a well kept avenue and designated areas for gardens and parks. Environmental committee, which is responsible for environmental projects, public hygiene and rehabilitation, is credited with maintaining the city’s cleanliness.
Tunis, Tunisia
It is one of the cleanest cities in North Africa and Africa in general. It is the capital and largest city in Tunisia and has a population of over 2 million. The city council is responsible for keeping the city clean. They actively handle garbage Collection, waste disposal and other related activities. Recycling majorly or renewable sources of energy, such as solar energy, wind and hydroelectricity, the municipality aims to gain sustainable development in the near future. This explains why Tunis is becoming more green, clean and healthy each passing day. Tunisia also has a number of community simulation programs for the use of bicycles and electric vehicles. All these measures not only help to save money but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Cape Town, South Africa
It has won several international travel awards for its impressive nature and people. Popularly known as a legislative center in the country, the city has a population of over 4 million. Cape Town has a solid waste management department which has a target of ensuring general cleanliness in the streets and public spaces and that’s why it’s beaches are among the cleanest in the world.
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Port Louis, Mauritius
This beautiful city is the capital and largest city in the country with a population of more than 100,000 . It is also the country’s economic, cultural and political city handled by the municipal council of Port Louis. This city is impressively clean with numerous buildings and monuments. The management body of the city has ensured sanitation and access to clean and fresh water in the city. Although it has a large population, the city has a high degree of air purity that is compared to the cleanest countries in the world. It also has an efficient infrastructure for waste disposal which is managed by the public health department.
Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali has held the title for the cleanest city in Africa for almost a decade. It is the capital city of Rwanda with a population of over 1 million. It is the city of the presidency and an excellent example of how keeping a city clean makes a difference in the world.
For Kigali to be clean, strict measures were implemented, such as, the banning of plastic bags, clean up campaigns and sanctions on those who litter the street. Another measure was replacement of slums with decent roads, housing and relocation of factories and businesses from its wetlands in a bid to protect the environment and make it clean.
