Security forces will patrol areas near the new Burj Hammoud and Costa Brava landfills to prevent popular protests as garbage collection is expected to begin at midnight Friday, according to a security source.
An estimated 300,000 tons of trash are scattered on roads, and removing it all all could take 15 to 20 days, the source said. Collecting it at midnight should reduce traffic congestion.
Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk announced after a Cabinet session Thursday that the Cabinet’s proposed plan to end the country’s 8-month trash crisis will go into effect Friday.
It entails reopening of the notorious Naameh landfill for two months, the closure of which in July 2015 led to uncollected piles of garbage festering in the streets, and sparked numerous protests.
This deal, which was met with opposition from activists, some officials and local residents, is the government’s latest effort to end the worst trash crisis in the country’s history.
Sukleen could not be reached for comment.
