Rubbish is a serious problem when the population generates more than 4,500 tonnes of waste per day, which affects the drainage system during the rainy season. This is the case in El Salvador, and it is the fault of both the government and the inhabitants.
Luis Beatón
There is a strong debate on social media about the alleged lack of governmental action, with more than a few criticising the lack of initiatives by the authorities.
The fact is that the rubbish problem in El Salvador represents a challenge for the population and the authorities, the latter being criticised for their lack of action against the problem.
El Diario El Salvador reported on an action that occurred when a man was caught by a group of elements of the National Civil Police (PNC) and the Armed Forces of El Salvador (FAES) while he was throwing a considerable amount of rubbish in an open space in a sector of the department of Usulután.
A fine was the result of the action, but where is the official policy to solve the crisis that affects vital sectors such as water for consumption and even for other purposes, something that has become a sustained debate on social networks in which the government and the president, Nayib Bukele, seem to bear the brunt.
Internet users do not criticise the commitment to enforce the law and ensure that citizens abide by the provisions established in the body of laws that are in force throughout El Salvador.
The focus of the problem is the lack of government action to address the situation created by the deposit of thousands of tonnes of waste, especially plastics, in natural and man-made water reservoirs.
Recently, in the face of criticism and complaints, the government launched the Zero Garbage initiative, a campaign that according to the Ministry of Environment (MAN) seeks to carry out rubbish collection, amend laws on waste treatment and educate the population on the issue of rubbish. That remains to be seen, critics say.
According to MAN Minister Fernando López: “During the rainy season we have had a problem with the issue of rubbish. One of the objectives of the Zero Garbage campaign is to raise awareness among the Salvadoran population”.
“This is unprecedented and is also focused on avoiding disasters. We ask the population, institutions and private companies to join in this campaign,” he said.
Lopez said he regrets that only 3,000 tonnes of the country’s waste reaches the right places, while a significant part of it destroys the environment.
Through a graphic published on social networks, Environment highlighted that 55.25% of the waste generated in El Salvador comes from urban dwellings, which are the largest generators of waste in the country. According to experts, this would facilitate the promotion of waste recycling, especially of plastics that are difficult to degrade, which is a thriving industry in other countries. PL
(Translated by Cristina Popa – Email: gcpopa83@gmail.com) – Photos: Pixabay
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