Mountain of garbage left by major flooding in Chiang Rai

The recent flooding in Mueang and Mae Sai districts has left about 68,000 tonnes of garbage to be disposed of by the two municipalities, according to Surin Worakijthamrong, deputy director-general of the Pollution Control Department.

He said that, to date, only about 9,400 tonnes of the garbage have been removed, leaving an estimated 43,600 tonnes in the Mueang district and 15,000 tonnes in Mae Sai district still to be taken away.

The two temporary garbage separation locations are now full and new locations need to be found, he said, adding that more money is needed for the appropriation of land to be used for the temporary storage of the garbage.

Meanwhile, Jatuporn Buruspat, permanent secretary of natural resources and environment, said that there are two possible plots of land, including a 0.32 hectare plot, which can store about 4,000 tonnes of trash, and another in Pa Kor Dam sub-district in Mae Lao district of about eight hectares.

A large percentage of the garbage consists of damaged household items, such as furniture and mattresses.

Another problem for the Mueang district is the waste water treatment facility, which was damaged during the flooding and is yet to be repaired.