Tanzanians have been ordered to join in a national clean up exercise to be held every first Saturday of the month.

Mr Luhaga Mpina, the deputy minister in the office of the vice president ((Union matters and Environment) issued the directive Wednesday saying the intention was to rid the streets of diseased like cholera and “inculcate a culture of self-responsibility in conserving the environment.”

He said the ministry has prepared a strategic plan that will help in smooth implementation of the order including thorough follow-up in every locality across the country.

Mr Mpina said cholera cases in 2015 increased to nearly 12,000 with 194 deaths compared to 3,989 that occurred in 2014.

Cholera spreads through contaminated food and drinking water and causes diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. It is fatal if not treated.

He ordered regional and district commissioners as well as council directors to make sure the order was implemented. “Short of that, severe measures will be taken against them,” he warned.

“This exercise is compulsory and every Tanzanian regardless of their position and influence is responsible,” he added.

The directive comes just a month after President John Magufuli cancelled Independence Day celebrations and instead directed people to use it to clean up their surroundings.

READ: Magufuli scraps Independence party for clean-up day

Mr Mpina also reminded regional and district officials to supervise the directive of planting 1.5 million trees in every district annually.

“The implementation for this has been hindered by officials who neglect or ignore their duty. This government will not condone such behaviour,” he said.

The tree planting exercise in every district is aimed at conserving vegetation cover and combat desertification.

He said some regions like Dodoma, Singida, Simiyu, Shinyanga and Kilimamjaro were in the danger of turning into deserts.

“This problem is accelerated by deforestation which destroys nearly 4,000 hectares of land every year,” he said.

However, he said the government would continue to search and promote the use of alternative fuel for both domestic and industrial needs.