Alarming levels of pollution from waste in rural markets.

(Baonghean) - The widespread problem of garbage causing severe pollution in markets is a serious concern in rural areas today.

Quynh Thien Market (Hoang Mai town) has a long history and serves as a major trading hub for the local community. After each market day, a large amount of waste is generated. At the far end of the market is a designated waste collection area that has existed for over 10 years; waste sorting and processing are rudimentary, leading to environmental pollution. Several vendors at Quynh Thien Market stated that waste collection only takes place once a day in the afternoon, resulting in accumulated waste throughout the day. Furthermore, the market's layout and arrangement of stalls are poorly planned, becoming muddy during the rainy season and emitting a strong, unpleasant odor during the dry season.

An unauthorized garbage dump behind Gieng Con market in Thanh Yen commune (Thanh Chuong district) is causing environmental pollution. Photo: Quang An

A sanitation worker at Quynh Thien market added: "The amount of waste after the market closes is enormous, while garbage trucks only come once every 4-5 days. Therefore, people have to pile up the garbage at the area behind the market, mainly seafood waste, which quickly smells bad. The only way to dispose of it is by burning it, as there are no machines to process it..."

To address the above issue, Mr. Nguyen Ba Binh, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Quynh Thien Ward, said: Recently, the Hai An Market Cooperative has submitted a proposal to Hoang Mai town regarding investment and upgrading of Quynh Thien Market, with the aim of making it the central market of the town in the future. This is expected to include upgrading the waste treatment area and resolving the current pollution situation…

Sanitation workers at Quynh Thien market (Hoang Mai town) have to work extremely hard due to the enormous amount of waste. Photo: Quang An

Small traders at Hung Thinh market (Hung Nguyen district) process fish directly on the roadside and discharge wastewater directly into the environment. Photo: Quang An

At Gieng Con Market, located in Thanh Yen commune (Thanh Chuong district), a traditional trading place for local people, a large amount of waste and wastewater from shops and stalls is left behind daily, causing environmental pollution and affecting the lives of households in the surrounding area.

The worst pollution is currently concentrated in the area behind Gieng Con Market, with garbage overflowing even in the selling areas. The drainage ditches are pitch black and emit a foul odor. The pork stalls are dilapidated, the floor is damp, and there is no clean water for cleaning. Ms. Nguyen Thi H, a small trader, said: "Because it's an old rural market, Gieng Con Market hasn't received any investment for upgrades, leading to a lack of necessary environmental sanitation facilities, such as drainage systems and shelters..."

At the afternoon market in Hung Thinh commune (Hung Nguyen district), located on the main road leading to Vinh City, the traffic volume is very high. The amount of smoke and dust emitted clings to the food on both sides of the road. It is known that this is an unregulated market without a drainage system, so many people, after processing fish and shrimp, conveniently dump wastewater directly onto the road, causing a strong, pungent odor.

Mr. Le Van Hung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Hung Thinh commune, said: "Previously, there was a project to build a market, but it had to be stopped due to lack of funds, so this remains the only market in the locality. Currently, Hung Thinh commune has planned to build a market on this land."

Not only is the drainage ditch at Gieng Con market in Thanh Yen commune overflowing with garbage, but it also emits a foul, black stench. (Photo: Quang An)

These markets are just a few examples of rural markets facing alarming levels of pollution from waste and wastewater affecting the rural environment. While goods in rural markets may be more attractive and cleaner than those in city markets, the current level of pollution not only impacts the quality of goods and food safety but also hinders the rural development movement in these localities.

Quang An