In the city of Holguin, street commerce is having a negative impact on the environment, the landscape and health. The disorderly growth that can be seen in this activity is currently generating a high accumulation of garbage in public spaces with polluting sources. That are alarming due to their multiple consequences on the well-being of the community and the protection of the environment.
The arbitrary and progressive dumping of solid waste derived from street vending in many central areas of this eastern city. As is the case around the Dagoberto Sanfiel Intermunicipal Terminal, known as Las Baleares. It is a practice that alarms and violates the regulations established in Law 150 of the Natural Resources System and the Environment.
More and more vendors are concentrating in this area to sell products of all kinds without limits on the control and collection of waste generated by their commercial management. This unfortunate environmental contamination due to excess garbage in the open plastic containers, cardboard and other waste. Is a disturbing situation of public order, which affects food safety, communal hygiene and hinders traffic.
Also the increase in street vending in the vicinity of the Las Baleares terminal in the city of Holguin has reduced the space established for transport services of non-state forms of management.
The animal-drawn car pit, a still necessary alternative in the face of the current fuel deficit. Which has always been poorly located due to its proximity to the residential area. Besides it is now in a worse situation, trapped by the garbage thrown by the vendors who have piled up in this place. In disregard of the provisions of the Decree Law No. 31 on Animal Welfare since 2021.
Another aspect of this problem and no less important is that in the face of the excess of waste derived from street vending. Some vendors negligently opt for the burning of garbage on site as a quick solution to eliminate large amounts of waste. A dangerous action without authorization in inadequate conditions that causes the release of toxic substances.
Futhermore the disorder and dirt that can be seen in this central area generate of course citizen dissatisfaction. Through social networks, Holguin residents express their concern about this reality that affects their community well-being and urban infrastructure. Also damages air quality, contaminates the soil and increases health risks due to the proliferation of rodents, insects and other vectors that transmit diseases with incidence in Holguin.
On the other hand this very accurate topic was the comment of colleague Rafael Armando Sánchez Campaña. Public Relations of the Radio Angulo radio station. Who calls for the correction of bad social habits, the urgency of solutions by the competent authorities and the promotion of responsible practices that contribute to maintaining harmony and order in this shared space because as he says, hygiene is a right.
But also a collective commitment. In the current economic scenario, the difficulties in financing more sustainable and safer waste management systems or the implementation of alternatives such as recycling are well known. However, this limited availability of viable options for the adequate treatment of solid waste does not justify the occurrence of events such as the one presented in this work.
The current situation of communal hygiene worries many citizens in Holguin. Collaboration between the community and local authorities is key to achieving a cleaner and healthier city for all.
The perception of a dirty city distances us from the purpose of development. It is essential that affective and lasting strategies are implemented to address this problem and foster a culture of responsibility and environmental education that changes this landscape.
By: Yamila Pupo Otero/ Translated by Radio Angulo
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