After the storm, garbage collection and urban sanitation are focused on by HEPCO.

Prepare carefully, respond promptly

Since the middle of this year, Vietnam has been affected by 3 storms: Storm No. 1 (Wutip), Storm No. 3 (Wipha) and Storm No. 5 (Kajiki). After heavy rains caused by storms, HEPCO has mobilized human resources to clean up and restore the landscape. Faced with complicated weather conditions, HEPCO's Storm and Flood Prevention Command has promptly deployed plans to prevent, control floods and environmental sanitation with the spirit of "4 on-site" being put first, ensuring that every situation has a solution right on the ground.

“This year, the storms came earlier than usual. Recent weather forecasts also reported that cold air could come earlier than usual, with the return of the La Nina phenomenon. Faced with this reality, HEPCO has prepared plans to effectively prevent and combat storms and floods, and mitigate damage caused by natural disasters,” said Mr. Tran Huu An, Deputy General Director of HEPCO.

Accordingly, HEPCO has reviewed, inspected and maintained the entire system of specialized vehicles and equipment. Transport vehicles, high-capacity pumps, and backup generators have all been tested to ensure stable operation when needed. Public trash bins in locations prone to flooding have been reinforced and securely anchored to avoid being swept away in floodwaters. All garbage collection vehicles and work tools have also been moved to high areas or locked at safe gathering points to be ready for immediate use when an emergency occurs. For the urban lighting system, the company has developed a flexible power cut-off plan in low-lying areas to ensure people's safety during times of high water. HEPCO has also continuously updated weather forecasts, garbage collection schedules, and deployed a hotline number (0234. 3997799) for people to report incidents for timely handling.

In centralized waste treatment areas, reinforcement and incident prevention measures are implemented very early. Embankments are checked and reinforced firmly, natural drainage ditches are regularly dredged to reduce the risk of stagnation. In landfill areas, incinerators and leachate reservoirs, the unit also proactively deploys anti-landslide measures, covers and fully reserves fuel, materials and spare parts to ensure continuous operation of the chain even when storms last for many days.

HEPCO also focuses on protecting the health of workers by providing them with life jackets, protective clothing, gloves, masks and even dry food in case they have to work in harsh conditions. Security and logistics forces are always on duty 24/7 to respond immediately in case of unexpected situations.

HEPCO has also developed many response scenarios depending on the storm level and the level of impact. In case the main transport route is deeply flooded or cut off, the company will arrange alternative means of transport to ensure that the waste flow is not interrupted. When the water recedes, plans for overtime and additional forces are urgently deployed to speed up the progress of garbage collection, mud shoveling, street cleaning and landscape restoration. In case the workload exceeds the capacity, HEPCO is ready to sign a contract to mobilize additional vehicles and human resources from outside to ensure progress.

Mr. Tran Huu An emphasized: “We consider environmental sanitation during the rainy season as a key task. Each enterprise has its own scenario, but more importantly, there is smooth coordination to ensure timely garbage collection, avoiding congestion that causes unsanitary conditions or outbreaks of disease.”

Proactive urban sanitation work after the storm

According to Mr. Tran Huu An, when storms occur, HEPCO will carry out work in order of priority: Clear fallen trees, clear traffic routes, repair the lighting system, then collect household waste, treat mud and finally clean sidewalks and public areas. Work teams will start working overtime from 3 a.m., continuing until late at night, following the motto "clean up as the water recedes". The focus is on central areas, where there are dense populations and many political and social activities. When the lighting system is restored, the collection schedule will be adjusted earlier to speed up progress.

In the work of sludge treatment, HEPCO mobilized a large force to concentrate on the routes along the Dong Ba River, An Cuu River, Huong River, Nhu Y River and main roads. Environmental and drainage enterprises coordinated to spray, clear sewers, dredge manholes, and reinstall lost iron covers to ensure traffic safety.

Workers were also assigned to collect duckweed and clear the flow at hotspots such as Thong market, Loi Nong bridge, and ironwood bridge. In the suburbs, where flooding has lasted for a long time, HEPCO coordinated with the People's Committees of wards/communes to take advantage of playgrounds and gathering areas to collect garbage, then transport it by road or boat.

In particular, to cope with the situation where the road to Phu Son Waste-to-Energy Plant is cut off, HEPCO has prepared a temporary transportation plan to Thuy Phuong landfill. Large treatment areas are carefully reinforced, the landfill is covered, leachate is prevented, ensuring the reception of increased waste volume after floods without causing environmental incidents.

Article and photos: DANG TRINH

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/san-sang-cac-phuong-an-ve-sinh-do-thi-mua-mua-bao-158504.html