Within the outskirts of the Dominican Republic’s capital city, Santo Domingo, lies a community of 73 families living in conditions which are unimaginable to most. Garbage, insects, and a foul smell have taken over their homes, and the large smoke curtains emitted by a close-by landfill have made it difficult for them to breathe. For years, these families have been struggling to survive in an environment that’s hazardous to their health and well-being.
Positioned lower than 50 meters from the landfill at kilometer seven of the Hato Mayor – Sabana de la Mar highway, the residents have been crying out for help from the authorities for years. Nevertheless, their pleas appear to have fallen on deaf ears, as they proceed to live in an environment that’s detrimental to their health. Diseases, pestilence, poverty, hopelessness, and unsanitary conditions are only a couple of of the words that may describe the community’s environment.
For 74-year-old Pablo Rodríguez, who has lived in the realm for the reason that first garbage truck arrived in 1998, life has been an unrelenting struggle. In an interview with Listín Diario, he expressed his despair at the shortage of concern shown by the authorities for the well-being of his community. With piles of garbage and smoke filling the horizon, Rodríguez said that he felt as if he was living contained in the landfill.
The community’s desperation and helplessness are palpable, with many families struggling to make ends meet. Yoana Paredes, who used to run a food business in the realm, needed to close it down as a result of the unhygienic conditions. Despite her best efforts, she was unable to draw customers as a result of the overwhelming stench and insects produced by the rubbish.
The shortage of basic amenities comparable to drinking water, a faculty, and a park has only exacerbated the situation. Residents feel abandoned by the authorities, and their complaints and hardships have gone unheard for a lot too long.
