Sluggish waste treatment at the largest landfill in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang has caused garbage to store up across many neighborhoods, resulting in pollution and upsetting citizens.

According to the observation of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters, rubbish has been left building up for days at residential areas in Hai Chau, Son Tra, Lien Chieu, and some other districts.

The trash releases unpleasant smells and leaves a negative impact on the urban aesthetics.

Garbage overload at the Khanh Son landfill in Lien Chieu District. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Frustrated residents have been voicing their complaints but only received unsatisfactory responses from units in charge of garbage pick-up services.

According to Tran Thi Thanh Tam, chairwoman of the administration in Son Tra District, garbage-related services in the district and the city in general have been very slow these days.

The problem may arise from the pollution at Khanh Son, the largest landfill in Da Nang, located in Hoa Khanh Nam Ward, Lien Chieu District.

People living nearby have been blocking garbage trucks from entering the facility as they can no longer stand the stench from the improperly treated waste.

Trash piles up in front of a bus station on Xuan Dieu Street. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Huynh Duc Tho has recently convened a meeting, ordering relevant agencies to start dealing with the issue.

The municipal Department of Home Affairs and Department of Natural Resources and Environment were tasked with reviewing the responsibility of the Da Nang Urban Environment JSC, which manages the Khanh Son landfill.

The home affairs department has proposed a change in high-ranking personnel at the firm.

The company has also been fined VND1.1 billion (US$46,952) after the landfill was caught discharging harmful wastewater.

In late May, authorities in Da Nang announced they were looking for a new location to build a modern waste treatment plant as Khanh Son is only two years away from reaching its maximum capacity

A garbage collector is exhausted due to the large amount of rubbish in Son Tra District. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Garbage on Pham Huy Thong Street in Son Tra District. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Garbage overload at the Khanh Son landfill in Lien Chieu District. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!