By Jensen Brian Abass Cummings
Do We Still Have Sanitary Workers at the Ministry of Health in Sierra Leone?
Sanitation and hygiene are fundamental to public health, yet Sierra Leone seems to have lost an essential workforce that once played a crucial role in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in communities—the sanitary workers under the Ministry of Health. The question now is: do we still have these sanitary workers in active service, or have they faded into history?
The Role of the Ministry of Health and Sanitary Workers in the Past
Decades ago, the Ministry of Health had a well-structured system of sanitary workers who were a visible and active presence in Sierra Leone. These workers were assigned to different sections or regions across the country and had designated offices within communities. These offices served as points of coordination where health officers operated, ensuring that hygiene standards were maintained. A clear example was in the Kissy community, where sanitary workers were stationed at the Kissy Community Center. These workers were responsible for monitoring waste disposal, inspecting toilets, preventing unhygienic practices, and ensuring that compounds and drainages remained clean.
Their duties were not limited to routine checks; they also responded to community complaints about environmental sanitation. They often conducted unannounced inspections, which kept residents on their toes regarding hygiene practices. It was common to see people rushing to clean their surroundings upon hearing rumors of an impending inspection. This system was highly effective in fostering a culture of cleanliness and responsibility among residents.
Before now, these workers were mostly retired personnel coupled with some young individuals. Despite their small numbers, they made a significant impact in ensuring cleaner environments across the country. Their dedication and presence helped shape a more hygienic society, and their absence today is deeply felt.
The Current State of Sanitation Oversight
In contrast, today, these sanitary officers appear to be either non-existent or significantly reduced in function. Many communities are now plagued with poor waste management, clogged drainages, and unhygienic living conditions without any form of regulation or accountability.
Take, for instance, my own experience on Adolphus Street near Davies Street. Over the years, I have tried to address the issue of littering in my front drainage. I have advised my neighbors, sought intervention from elders, and even attempted to escalate the matter through complaints—yet no action has been taken. If the sanitary offices that once existed under the Ministry of Health were still functional, such issues would have been handled swiftly and effectively. Other affected streets, such as Horseshoe Road, Personage Street, and the road off Africanus Road leading to Fisheries, also suffer from poor sanitation, largely due to the absence of regulatory oversight.
The Need for Sanitary Workers’ Reinstatement
The absence of sanitary workers has led to a noticeable decline in public hygiene. As Sierra Leone continues to urbanize and expand, the need for structured sanitation oversight becomes even more urgent. The Ministry of Health must recognize the importance of reinstating these officers and ensuring they have the authority and resources to perform their duties effectively.
Re-establishing sanitary offices across communities and employing trained personnel to manage sanitation concerns can have several benefits:
- Enhanced Public Health – Regular sanitation checks would prevent outbreaks of diseases related to poor hygiene, such as cholera and typhoid.
- Improved Waste Management – With dedicated sanitation officers, proper waste disposal practices would be enforced, reducing illegal dumping and blocked drainages.
- Community Accountability – Residents would be more conscious of their environment, knowing that inspections could take place unannounced.
- Government Oversight and Employment Opportunities – A structured sanitation workforce would provide job opportunities while also ensuring that policies on public hygiene are actively implemented.
A Call to Action
The government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Health, must take urgent steps to reinstate these sanitary workers and establish community-based sanitation offices in every part of the country. This is not merely a matter of aesthetics; it is a public health necessity. The neglect of hygiene enforcement has led to unsanitary conditions that threaten the well-being of citizens.
It is time to prioritize environmental health once again and ensure that communities benefit from the structured sanitation oversight that once made a significant difference. If the Ministry of Health reinstates this system, Sierra Leone can move toward a healthier and cleaner future.