Don't fill the manhole... hold your breath.

- Ho Chi Minh City just received its first rain of the season, and several manholes in the neighborhood were immediately clogged with trash.

- Ho Chi Minh City just received its first rain of the season, and several manholes in the neighborhood were immediately clogged with trash. On a weekend morning, Uncle Tư Hẻm was diligently raking up the trash so that the drain would be clear when the rain came, while his neighbor, Mr. Bảy, leisurely swept his yard, then conveniently dumped the pile of dry leaves and plastic bags down the drain in front of his door.

Seeing Uncle Tư frown, Uncle Bảy explained, "A clean house is a sign of civilization, Uncle! Just flush the trash down the drain and it'll all wash away!" Uncle Tư shook his head, "Your house is clean, but the drain is completely clogged. If it rains heavily this afternoon, the water will flood back into the living room. Where's the civilization in that? You build a spacious house, dress smartly, but you pile up trash like that—how can that be acceptable?"

- Mr. Bay's story is not unique. Many people go out in immaculately dressed, with shiny cars, but casually throw plastic cups on the street and plastic bags down manholes to avoid the trouble of finding a trash can. The mindset of "keeping things clean for myself, not for everyone else" is directly undermining countless efforts to clean and clear drainage systems.

- A civilized city is not only measured by modern houses or neat private yards, but also by how we treat public infrastructure. Keeping sewers clear before the rainy season helps reduce flooding and demonstrates a sense of civic responsibility.

HAI PHEN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/dung-bat-ho-ga-nhin-tho-post852007.html