The source of the unpleasant odor wafting through the southern end of Ho Chi Minh City has been confirmed to originate from rubbish buried at a major waste treatment zone.

Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Dinh La Thang issued the final conclusion regarding the phenomenon, stating that the Da Phuoc Solid Waste Treatment Complex in Binh Chanh District was responsible for the smell.

Following a series of inspections, experts identified garbage buried underground and wastewater stored at the Vietnam Waste Solutions Corporation, both located inside the treatment zone, as the two primary sources of the stink.

The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has been ordered to apply temporary measures to minimize any effect on the area and the consequences brought about by the situation.

Accordingly, the transport and burial of rubbish must be closely monitored and properly executed.

Regarding a long-term solution, the City will seek to replace the current method of burying waste with more viable and modern technology accompanied by more trees being planted around the facility.

Construction of a waste treatment project in the neighboring province of Long An will also be expedited to help relieve the pressure caused by the increasing volume of waste in the southern city.

The municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment was assigned to work with managers of the treatment complex to adjust and improve operations at the venue.

In late August, many residents living in District 7 and Binh Chanh District reported that their lives were being heavily affected by a mysterious disturbing odor of unknown origin.

Citizens in District 8 also stated that their neighborhoods were enshrouded by the stench in early September.

The prime minister required the municipal administration to deal with the situation, with experts and scientists asked to assist with the investigation.