Health Ministry on alert as garbage piles up

The accumulation of garbage around Panama city has MOVED the Ministry of Health (MoH) to a state of alert.

In some areas the stench of rotting garbage on the street near restaurants has upset diners. Others are concerned about the appearance of rats.

 The general secretary of the MoH, Félix Bonilla, said that public entities must cooperate with the Municipal Department of Urban and Household Cleaning to address the problem.

One of the concerns of the health authorities is that May and the rainy season is just around the corner.
That is the month, said Bonilla, when the flies are more numerous and the accumulation of trash will increase their numbers and spread gastric and intestinal diseases because of transmitted germs and bacteria.

Jaime Barroso, Secretary General of the Municipality of Panama, said he shares the concern of the authorities of the MoH and is seeking mechanisms to control the problem before the rains come.

Barroso, said garbage is not just a problem for the Municipality and the MoH, but for all who will be harmed if there is an epidemic.
He added said the process to purchase 51 garbage trucks without a bidding process will continue, despite some protests.

Javier Ortega, representative of Rio Abajo said that " in the interests of transparency" other companies should be allowed to compete for the $8.6 million order.