The stench that stole Christmas

Residents of communities in the districts of Panama and San Miguelito are complaining of strong odors coming from the Cerro Patacón landfill, made worse by the increase in garbage collection in the Christmas season.

Ivan Vasquez, the representative of Ancón, said that for years he has notified the Ministry of the Environment and representatives of Urbalia Panama, the administrator of the landfill, calling on them to solve the problem.

“Clayton residents have been complaining about odors passing through Cardenas and coming from Cerro Patacón,” he said.

The problem is worse this time of year due to the fact that more garbage is collected due to the holidays. In December, the amount of garbage brought to the landfill increases from 60,000 tons to 80,000 tons.

Alida Spadafora, director of the “Zero Waste” program, said that Urbalia Panamá “is not meeting its commitments in waste management.”

The activist called on the ministries of Health and Environment to investigate the matter and implement corrective measures.

Urbalia Panamá official Juan Camilo Alvarez denied that the odors are coming from the landfill and said waste is being properly handled at the facility –Doese  constant exposure dulls the senses?