News
Mounting waste
View(s):Alongside the high-rise buildings in the Western Province are the high rising garbage mountains. With over 25 such garbage dumps (21 active) and a daily collection of 3,500 metric tons of garbage joining the existing dumps, solid waste is an immense threat to all lives and the environment.
At present, over seven local government institutions are struggling as the Karadiyana solid waste dump has reached its maximum limit.
Director of the Western Province Solid Waste Management Authority, Nalin Mannapperuma, said that though local councils have been given powers over solid waste management in their respective areas, they do not possess authoritative powers or facilities.
“Most Provincial Council ordinances are outdated. Local councils also do not have the required infrastructure to carry out large scale garbage disposal projects. The country is in need of a national policy for solid waste management. In many developed countries, a tax is imposed on food wastage. Food outlets and restaurants have to pay a tax based on the food wasted,” he said.
He added that elected governments are bringing changes to solid waste management projects and plans are changed continuously, leaving local councils clueless amidst growing concern, with no state involvement with a long-term remedy.
About the present garbage crisis at Karadiyana, he said letters have been sent to direct garbage to Puttalam’s Aruwakkaru land filling project and for the Kerawalapitiya electricity generating project through solid waste .
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- Rising side by side
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- Picking up the pieces
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- Polluting waterways
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- Unhealthy spill
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- Rubbish mountains
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- Garbage collector trucks line up
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- Making us sick: An inhaler littering the beach
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- Rain or shine: Municipal workers carry on
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- Navy engage in canal clean-up
