The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has outlined implementation arrangements for the government's two-day National Flood Aftermath Clean-up Exercise, directing the participation of public institutions, communities and residents in seven flood-affected regions.

According to a statement issued on Thursday, July 9, the exercise, which follows a directive by the President, is scheduled to take place on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on both days.

In the release, the Ministry said the exercise forms part of efforts to restore environmental sanitation and address the aftermath of recent flooding that affected several parts of the country.

According to the Ministry, the clean-up campaign will involve a broad range of stakeholders to ensure its successful implementation.

On Friday, July 10, participation will be led by all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), public and private institutions, the Security Services, educational institutions, waste management companies and the general public.

The following day, Saturday, July 11, the focus will shift to communities, with all residents, community-based organisations, volunteer groups, the Security Services, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, supported by waste management companies, expected to participate alongside the general public.

To facilitate full participation and ensure the effectiveness of the nationwide exercise, the Ministry announced that all shops, markets, commercial establishments, corporate organisations and other non-essential businesses within the seven affected regions will remain closed from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on both days.

However, institutions providing essential and emergency services have been exempted from the temporary closure to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of critical services.

The Ministry explained that the implementation arrangements are intended to ensure the coordinated execution of the clean-up exercise and maximise public participation in restoring communities affected by the floods.

The Ministry has urged all institutions, businesses, organisations and residents within the affected regions to comply with the directive and actively participate in the exercise, stressing that collective action is essential to restoring clean, safe and healthy communities.