Initial Problem
Water Contamination
Water pollution is one of the main factors that contribute to the production of waste in this town. The water quality from the research is said to have parasites and bacteria that could cause many diseases. Authorities and officials can not control the sewage system that can separate the water. This means that the inhabitants of this town have to rely primarily on bottled water to use. Because of this, there is a large amount of plastic waste being produced with nowhere to go, so it ends up on the streets, over the years building up into mounds all over the town. This worsens the living conditions of the inhabitants and makes it very difficult to clean up since there is so much trash.
Waste buildup in a canal due to flooding
Lack of Waste Collectors
The number of waste collectors to help deal with the plastic issue is extremely very low and continues to dwindle. Sihanoukville’s collection and management of waste are in poor conditions. In the city, there is a lack of garbage trucks as well as a general low workforce in the waste management sector. A majority of the collectors left for higher-paying jobs. In the year 2019, up to 40 waste collectors quit. This resulted in more buildup of plastic dispersed across the streets. Throughout the city, there are pungent odors and obstacles of waste on the streets from the buildup of plastic waste. Another root of the problem includes the lessened visits of garbage collectors because of traffic congestion and damaged roads.
Little waste collection leads to trash pileup in streets
Problem Statement
Waste production in Sihanoukville, Cambodia is constantly increasing due to the poor water quality which leads to the excessive reliance on plastic water bottles. Sihanoukville's plastic production is expected to increase if no action is taken to combat the poor waste management and water quality in the area. Immediate action is needed or else the cycle of plastic will continue to worsen living conditions.
Waste accumulation around the world