The Ministry of Environment is formulating a policy to manage rubbish and solid waste in downtown areas to strengthen disposal and improve sanitation.

Ministry spokesman Neth Pheaktra said on Monday that the issue of rubbish collection is a government priority.

“After the government revoked Cintri’s licence, it is now drafting a policy on rubbish and solid waste collection in downtown areas to address and resolve waste management issues in those areas effectively and safely.

“This will help to make Cambodia a beautiful country that has a good, hygienic and attractive environment,” he said.

Pheaktra said the government has been formulating the main goals of the policy to make sure it includes proper mechanisms in both collection and management.

“We are trying to ensure this policy can be introduced as soon as possible because we need a proper and comprehensive policy mechanism for rubbish and solid waste management, including collection zones and the creation of more dumpsites,” he said.

Cintri (Cambodia) Ltd had struggled with the mounds of waste produced in the capital. And after its dismissal, the government said four new companies would be hired to collect rubbish from four different zones yet to be created.

Pheaktra said the government has delegated the management of rubbish to sub-national level administrations.

As a result, he said collection and transportation of rubbish and solid waste in downtown areas is set to improve.

The ministry previously said 10,000 tonnes of rubbish is produced in the Kingdom daily. Out of this, only about 50 per cent is disposed at dumpsites while the remaining ends up on the streets, in waterways or is burned.

“The increase in the amount of rubbish and solid waste year-on-year causes much concern for environmental quality, public health, and the loss of beauty in downtown areas in the capital, provinces, districts and towns.

“Rubbish and solid waste management in Cambodia is currently overloaded,” Pheaktra said.