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Al-Ahram Weekly 20 - 26 April 2000 Issue No. 478 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 20 - 26 April 2000 Issue No. 478
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Heritage Features Travel Living Sports Profile People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Spring cleaning
By Mohamed Abdel-Aziz El-Guindi *
A budget of LE800 million has been allocated by the government to address the problem of solid waste, and dispose of the tons of garbage accumulated in 10 governorates. This money will also pay for the creation of a solid waste management system. Garbage will be collected systematically from the sources where it is generated, and taken to dumps for final treatment that includes recycling and cement production. The remainder will be buried safely. Hospital waste is among the most hazardous forms of detritus, and legally must be burned in special incinerators. With growing awareness of the danger to health posed by the fumes, however, the trend today is toward sterilisation.
The black cloud of a few months ago alerted the country to the pollution resulting from the byproducts of agriculture, pottery kilns, automobiles and cement factories. Thousands of Egyptians have suffered from respiratory problems and pollution-related allergies. Levels of pollution must be reduced by regulating car engines and waste incineration, as well as accelerating the establishment of the Cairo Air Improvement Project, implemented in conjunction with the Environmental Affairs Agency and USAID.
No less important is the pollution of Nile water and other waterways. A more rigorous implementation of environmental safety laws is necessary. Industrial firms and the sewage authorities must be held accountable for the damage to the environment and asked to observe the standards set for environmental safety.
Noise pollution is another serious problem. The cacophony on the streets shows complete disregard for the relevant law, besides increasing stress to unacceptable levels.
* This week's Soapbox speaker is legal consultant to the Ministry of Environment.
