http://news.kuwaittimes.net/2012/12/08/abbassiya-an-urban-garbage-dump-residents-raise-specter-of-health-hazard/
Abbassiya, an urban garbage dump? Residents raise specter of health hazard KUWAIT: Garbage dumped in an open space in Abbassiya. KUWAIT: Although, the authorities have eventually started to remove the piles of garbage spread across Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, the nightmare is certain to continue for the residents as they dump the garbage in an open space near Abbassiya fire station. “They are bringing the garbage from different areas of Abbassiya and dumping them here in this open ground,” said a resident who stays in the area. Many residents, while complaining about this totally unscientific method of garbage and waste disposal, also raised the specter of a looming health hazard in the area. Many say that the dumping of garbage in such a densely populated area where many clinics and schools are located is very alarming. The authorities have resorted to removing the garbage following regular complaints from residents who feared that the pileup could result in outbreak of diseases. However, the present action by the authorities has in fact compounded the issue. “Now it is even more alarming. Abbassiya is now becoming a garbage town,” said a school teacher on condition of anonymity. Heaps of garbage were seen at various locations inside the residential area for more than two weeks. Unexpected showers that occurred last week had worsened the situation where a large number of Asian expatriates live. KUWAIT: Cleaning workers dumping garbage in an open space in Abbassiya. The decayed waste and garbage piles now getting decomposed in the vast open area could pose a serious health hazard to the residents, many complain. The rotten garbage and the overflowing drainage create a pungent smell in the vicinity causing suffocation, especially for those waiting outside their flats for transportation to offices and schools. “The whole scenario is pointing towards an impending health hazard in the area,” said another resident. Flies from the garbage piles have become common visitors to the flats making it impossible for the residents even to open the doors and windows. “Now, we are forced to live in an unhygienic surrounding,” a housewife shared the views expressed by others. “Unfortunately, there is no scientific method of waste disposal here. They must dispose the garbage in a proper incinerator to avert a potential health hazard,” a shopkeeper commented. It is often noticed that the garbage containers kept at each collection points are not big enough considering the increased number of flats in each area. Daily waste from each building is enormous and the garbage containers often overflow with the garbage bags. To make matters worse, the residents throw domestic waste in plastic bags from shops and super markets, creating a fertile breeding ground for rats. This in turn results in the spurt of stray dogs and cats scavenging around rotten vegetables, fish and meat waste, human waste, wooden boxes and packing materials. The residents ardently hope that the authorities will find a lasting solution to the issue and take action to avert a possible outbreak of contagious diseases in the area. By Sajeev K Peter, Kuwait Times Staff [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
