Environment Minister Francisco Domínguez Brito says that the garbage dumps of Guazumal, in Tamboril and Rafey, in Santiago province have become a national problem.
He said that there have been several meetings with the mayor of Tamboril, Anyolino Germosén, to look for a solution to the problem. Fumes generated by the dumps are a major health problem for the nearby populations. The smoke from blazes in the dumps is causing respiratory problems. Recently there was a standoff in Rafey between the municipal authorities and the Association of Recyclers, better known as dumpster divers, as the authorities wanted them out.
During August 2017, Mayor Abel Martínez announced that the problems at Rafey would be a thing of the past. The Santiago municipality contracted Cilpen Global to be in charge and eliminate the smoke. This has not happened. Diario Libre reports the smoke situation has reportedly worsened.
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Diario Libre
3 October 2017
