Thursday, April 25, 2024
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Preserving Heroes Stadium’s Integrity: The Significance of Clean Public Facilities and Lessons from Japanese Culture

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The recent scene of broken glass littering the Heroes football stadium after a concert serves as a stark reminder of the significance of maintaining cleanliness in public facilities. This unfortunate incident highlights the need for individuals and communities to take responsibility for the cleanliness and upkeep of shared spaces. When examining successful examples of cleanliness, one can turn to the Japanese culture, where cleanliness is deeply ingrained and reflected in the behavior of its citizens.

Japan is renowned for its cleanliness, and one can observe this commitment in various aspects of daily life. Public facilities such as parks, streets, and train stations are remarkably clean and well-maintained throughout the country. A significant factor contributing to this cleanliness is the cultural value of “cleanliness” or “seiketsu.” In Japanese society, cleanliness is not solely the responsibility of cleaning staff but is embraced by individuals from all walks of life.

A fan of Japan collects garbage at the end of the World Cup match against Croatia at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar.Courtesy Eugene Hoshiko/AP

The practice of cleaning public spaces in Japan is often referred to as “group cleanliness” or “o-soji.” It involves citizens actively participating in the cleaning and maintenance of public facilities. This collaborative effort fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the community and ensures that public spaces remain clean and inviting for everyone to enjoy.

Japanese citizens understand that the cleanliness of public facilities goes beyond mere aesthetics. It contributes to a sense of order, safety, and well-being. Clean environments reduce the risk of accidents, promote a positive atmosphere, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Moreover, the cleanliness of public spaces has a significant impact on tourism and economic development. Clean and well-maintained facilities attract visitors, create a positive image of the community, and stimulate economic activity. Tourists are more likely to explore and spend time in areas that are clean, organized, and aesthetically pleasing. Thus, maintaining cleanliness becomes an investment in the prosperity of the local economy.

To emulate Japan’s success in maintaining clean public facilities, it is crucial for Zambians to recognize their collective responsibility.

Additionally, implementing strict regulations and penalties for littering can act as a deterrent and reinforce the importance of cleanliness. By enforcing these measures consistently, a culture of cleanliness can be nurtured, and individuals will be more mindful of their actions in public spaces.

The incident at the Heroes football stadium serves as a reminder of the significance of keeping public facilities clean. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese culture of cleanliness, we can learn the importance of taking personal responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in shared spaces. By fostering a sense of ownership, promoting community participation, and implementing effective policies, we can create clean, safe, and inviting public facilities that contribute to the well-being and prosperity of our communities.

 

6 COMMENTS

  1. Given the fact that we know Zambians are not as responsible as Japanese, a clause should be in the contract for renters to clean up afterwards. Or a fixed charge for cleaning after the event should be there. That is how all civilised societies operate.

  2. It all starts with each and every one of us learning to be responsible for the garage that we generate, no matter how young or old we may be.
    From empty jiggies or fast food packs, to used plastic bottles or sachets, we must set an example for our children in our schools and in our lives…

  3. Where is the maintenance team? This is normal, just clean and maintain the thing. Si rocket science iyi. The pitch is supposed to be changed periodically to maintain it’s freshness. Start teaching kids how to be proper grounds people because you can earn a living out of it.

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