Dump, Senegal – Yann Arthus-Bertrand Photography

 In

Dump, Senegal - Yann Arthus-Bertrand Photography

Senegal’s capital Dakar is affected by waste. For many countries, waste management is a major problem. Stocking, destroying and recycling waste are the solutions that are used most frequently. In Mbeubeuss, the waste site opened in 1968 covers hundred of hectares; around 1.300 tons of waste arrives there every day. This is a treasure-trove for a thousand of “pickers”, men and women whose job is to recover as much plastic and metal as they can in this garbage pile. This difficult and tiring task is not held in high social esteem even though it allows people to earn a decent living. There are also risks such as exposure to heavy metal such as zinc and lead and pathogenic bacteria like salmonella. The closure and rehabilitation of the Mbeubeuss dumpsite was announced. It will eventually be turned into a biogas valorization power station. This is the result of cooperation between the Senegalese and Canadian governments. The plan is that the “pickers” will receive a financial compensation from the authorities and will take part in social inclusion projects.

Leave a Comment

Start typing and press Enter to search