Mondulkiri provincial deputy governor Vin Sithuon called on the people to take better care of the environment as the current rate of population growth in the province was causing problems with waste management for the authorities due to the current system’s limitations.

The Mondulkiri Department of Environment said on its Facebook page that the deputy governor spoke at an event on December 29 celebrating the National Environmental Sanitation Day with the theme “Clean Village, Good Health, Happy Life.”

“Currently, due to population growth, we are facing a number of problems, including problem with garbage and solid waste in the town being on a significant rise with the current waste management system still limited,” she said. “Some waste, especially plastic waste, that is burned by some people or thrown in the water or dumped in public places, poses a danger to biodiversity that everyone has to pay attention to.”

She urged public and private institutions and authorities at all levels to improve sanitation and maintain the environment in their localities. She also requested that local authorities and relevant sides educate the people about the proper management and disposal of garbage and solid waste.

She hoped that the celebration of the day would be a driving force encouraging environmentally friendly activities from each individual so that they will be responsible for disposing of their solid waste instead of dumping it in public places in an untidy manner, which affects the beauty of the town and its dignity.

She also recommended that they maintain their personal hygiene, sort their garbage by type and love and protect wildlife and trees.

She said that the participation of every citizen in improving sanitation and environmental quality was necessary and the most important contribution people can make if they join the government in addressing these challenges aimed at raising Cambodia’s standard of living.