Beach in Acajutla, Sonsonate, El Salvador is covered in trash following rains. Image Credit- Ministerio de Obras Publicas, El Salvador.
Basura El Salvador Sonsonate

Public Works Prepares to Remove Debris in Acajutla, El Salvador

Soledad Quartucci

Public Works Prepares to Remove Debris in Acajutla, El Salvador

The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) and the Sonsonate Oeste Municipality, Acajutla District, coordinate the entry of heavy machinery.

Personnel from the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) are coordinating the entry of heavy machinery to remove the accumulated debris on the beach that was washed ashore by the tide in the Acajutla district, Sonsonate Oeste municipality, reports Boris Lozano for Diario El Salvador.

 

 

 

Yovani Deras, the municipal manager of Sonsonate Oeste, highlighted the prompt response from Minister Romeo Rodríguez to clear the debris in that area.

“We contacted Minister Romeo Rodríguez, and we thank him for his prompt response along with the mayor to clear these tons of accumulated trash due to the rains and carried in by the rivers. The machinery arrived yesterday, but we are waiting for the tide to recede to bring in the trucks and start the removal. I urge the population to dispose of their trash in appropriate places so it doesn’t end up here,” Deras stated.

 

 

 

He also detailed that they are coordinating efforts with the Acajutla Port Authority to join forces in the cleanup tasks, adding that the debris comes down from the highlands of the Sonsonate department and is carried by the rivers in the area, which empty into the sector.

Similarly, the residents of the area expressed their gratitude for the support provided by the central and local government authorities in addressing the situation caused by the rains.

 

 

 

 

“We have seen that the MOP and its personnel, along with the municipality, have been attentive. Unfortunately, the high tide prevents the equipment from entering; however, they are already monitoring, and we hope this will be removed soon,” said Eduardo Fuentes.

 

 

 

For her part, Rocío Serrano, a local resident, explained that this situation has occurred in previous years but on a smaller scale. She pointed out that the population’s bad habits of throwing trash on the streets, streams, and rivers cause these types of problems.

“This has never been seen before. I am amazed by the large amount of trash, including bottles, plastic, and trees. My call is for us to learn to be cleaner so that we no longer have these consequences because this affects us. It may not be the best beach, but it is a place where we can come to enjoy with family,” Serrano expressed.

 

 

Where does Trash Come From ?

Storm Surge and High Waves:

Big storms, create powerful waves and storm surges that can push water and debris onto the shore. The turbulent water churns up debris from the ocean floor and from floating trash at sea.

Ocean Currents:

Storms can disrupt normal ocean currents, causing debris that is usually kept offshore to be pushed towards the coast.

Wind and Water Movement:

High winds associated with storms can blow trash from the ocean and coastal areas back onto the beaches. The strong force of the wind and water together can dislodge and mobilize trash from deeper in the ocean or from further along the coastline.

What are the sources of trash?

Marine Sources:

A significant portion of the trash in the ocean comes from marine sources, including commercial fishing gear (nets, lines, traps), shipping containers, and waste from boats and ships.

Land-Based Sources:

Most of the ocean trash originates from land-based sources. This includes littering, improperly disposed of waste, stormwater runoff, and illegal dumping. Trash from streets, rivers, and streams can be carried by wind and rain into the ocean.

Rivers and Storm Drains:

Rivers and storm drains act as conduits, carrying trash from inland areas to the sea. During heavy rains, stormwater can wash a large amount of trash into these waterways, which eventually lead to the ocean.

How Can This Be Prevented?

Reduce Plastic Use:

Minimizing the use of single-use plastics and promoting reusable items can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean.

Proper Waste Management:

Improving waste management systems, including better collection, recycling, and disposal methods, can prevent trash from entering waterways and the ocean.

Clean-up Initiatives:

Organizing and participating in beach and river clean-up events can help remove trash before it gets washed into the ocean. Community involvement in such initiatives raises awareness and reduces littering.

Storm Drain Filters:

Installing filters and trash capture devices in storm drains can help catch debris before it reaches rivers and the ocean.

Public Education:

Educating the public about the impact of littering and the importance of proper waste disposal can reduce the amount of trash that ends up in the environment.

Legislation and Policies:

Enforcing stricter regulations on waste disposal and littering, as well as promoting policies that encourage recycling and reduction of single-use plastics, can have a significant impact.

Corporate Responsibility:

Encouraging businesses to take responsibility for the lifecycle of their products and packaging can lead to more sustainable practices and less waste generation.

By addressing both the sources of ocean trash and the pathways it takes to reach the ocean, we can significantly reduce the amount of debris that gets washed back onto our beaches after storms.

 

Soledad Quartucci | CEO/Founder, Latina Republic

Latina Republic is dedicated to promoting regional understanding through compelling narratives, articles, interviews, and reports that emanate from the heart of the Americas. Our foremost goal is to facilitate constructive dialogue by illuminating local viewpoints frequently overshadowed by mainstream media. Our mission is to equip all stakeholders with essential insights for addressing regional issues, thus empowering them in their efforts. We are committed to portraying the victories and hardships of everyday life in Latin America, while also chronicling the progression of social movements and amplifying the voices of those at the forefront of change.

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