Phuket’s stink crisis: Landfill odours worsen amid rainy season
1,200 tonnes of rubbish daily worsened by persistent wet conditions
Phuket’s bustling streets are getting a whiff of something far less pleasant as the city grapples with an intensifying odour crisis.
The stink emanating from the Phuket Waste Disposal Centre at Saphan Hin has reached unbearable levels, especially as the rainy season worsens conditions at the already overcrowded landfill.
With more than 1,200 tonnes of rubbish arriving at the site each day, the persistent wet conditions have made the situation even worse. The foul smell is now causing major concern among both residents and tourists.
In a recent online report, Phuket City Municipality explained that the problem has become even more challenging due to the temporary closure of one of the centre’s incinerators for repairs. As a result, the additional waste has been redirected to landfills No. 4 and No. 5, further exacerbating the problem.
Phuket City Mayor Suphot La-ongphet, along with officials from the municipality, recently visited the site to assess the situation and explore possible solutions.
“We’re working on plans to adjust the landfill area and build drainage canals to control water accumulation, which contributes to the spread of odours.”
The heavy rainfall over the past week has caused water to wash through the trash, intensifying the foul stench in the area.
The mayor acknowledged that the waste management system is under significant strain. At present, 700 to 800 tonnes of excess waste are being redirected to the incinerator each day, making it more difficult to manage the growing mountain of garbage.
“We’re asking residents and tourists across Phuket to help reduce waste, particularly organic waste, which is a major challenge for disposal.”
With the wet season continuing, officials are urging the public to play their part in alleviating the burden on the island’s waste disposal system.
While municipal officials work to address the long-term issue, reducing the amount of waste generated daily, particularly food waste, will be key in the immediate future, reported The Phuket News.
As the stench lingers over Phuket, locals and visitors alike are hoping for a quick resolution to what has become a growing environmental and public health concern.
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