Panelists from the forum sponsored by Dominicana Limpia called for a state-sponsored pact for complete management of solid wastes. They argue developing a reputation as a clean country is essential for the tourism industry.
They proposed an alliance between the government, the people and the private sector that would foster the needed changes and get rid of the around 360 open-air landfills and garbage dumps throughout the country. They also proposed, as part of the International Recycling Day, to take economic advantage of the solid waste.
During Recycling Week, sponsored by the Dominican Municipal League that groups city governments around the country, speakers stressed the importance for all Dominicans to be a part of the process to clean up the island. Jorge Luis Bisonó, the coordinator for Dominicana Limpia, noted that their efforts have achieved more than 200 “clean spots” in as many schools, and they have trained some 40,000 persons. They have also been able to get heavy machinery to work on the various landfills as well as deliver some 394 clean-up kits to different municipalities.
Bisonó noted that part of the goals of these efforts is to make the country more attractive to visitors and help achieve the goal of 10,000,000 tourists in one year. He went on to note that in places like Verón, in the Punta Cana area, there are both beautiful beaches and open-air garbage dumps. Dominicana Limpia is working with the authorities to improve waste disposal in the area.
Roberto Peguero, an official with the Ministry of Public Health, noted the issues surrounding untreated refuse and the health problems this produces. Johnny Jones, the secretary general of the Dominican Municipal League, called for the Congress to pass a law on solid waste management. He recalled how in Japan, after any sporting event, the venue was as clean as before, since each person removed any waste that they had produced.
Dominicana Limpia is a major backer of the Puerto Plata landfill proposed by Puerto Plata Mayor Walter Musa that has been objected by neighborhood organizations and civil society in the northern province.
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Diario Libre
20 May 2019