Potential risks from scrap yards

A scrap metal collection facility on Ngo Chi Lan Street (Thuan Phuoc Ward) leaves scrap materials encroaching on the sidewalk, posing a potential fire hazard. Photo: KHANH HUYEN

In Thuan Phuoc ward (Hai Chau district), according to residents' complaints, the scrap metal collection point on Ngo Chi Lan street is often messy and disorganized, with large piles of waste accumulating on the sidewalk, causing environmental pollution. Residents have repeatedly reported this situation to the local authorities, but it has yet to be resolved. Mr. N.D.B, whose house is on Ngo Chi Lan street, stated that most scrap metal businesses have not invested in proper wastewater collection and treatment systems, and are not adequately covered. Therefore, when it rains, wastewater flows into the environment, causing foul odors and affecting the health of residents in the area.

Regarding this situation, the Vice Chairman of Thuan Phuoc Ward People's Committee, Nguyen Phan Chanh, stated that the scrap metal collection facility on Ngo Chi Lan Street has a business license and is equipped with fire safety equipment. Despite repeated enforcement actions by the local authorities, the household continues to allow scrap metal to encroach on the sidewalk. To restore the sidewalk for pedestrians, the local government has instructed the ward's Urban Regulations Inspection Team to regularly monitor and strictly penalize the facility owner if they allow scrap metal to encroach on the sidewalk.

A similar situation is occurring near house number 62, Tran Phuoc Thanh Street, Khue Trung Ward (Cam Le District). A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said that the owner of this facility piles up cardboard and newspapers haphazardly, spilling onto the sidewalk. What's concerning is that the scrap metal collection facility is located next to residential houses, significantly impacting the lives and daily activities of the surrounding residents.

Businesses that stockpile scrap materials need to pay attention to fire safety. A representative from the Khue Trung Ward People's Committee stated that the risk of fire is very high during the hot season. Therefore, the local authorities, in coordination with neighborhood committees, are educating scrap metal businesses on Tran Phuoc Thanh Street to arrange their goods neatly and avoid leaving items on the sidewalks. They are also instructed to regularly inspect electrical wiring and sockets to ensure quality and prevent short circuits or overloads that could cause fires.

Meanwhile, in Thanh Khe Tay ward (Thanh Khe district), according to residents' complaints, the owner of a business on Pham Dinh Ho street is using a vacant plot of land to stockpile glass bottles. Even more dangerously, broken glass shards are lying on the sidewalk, posing a risk to pedestrians. Residents have requested that the local authorities check if the business has a license and ask the owner to take measures to cover the shards to ensure aesthetics and maintain environmental hygiene in the residential area.

According to the leaders of Thanh Khe District People's Committee, the issuance of business licenses falls under the authority of the District People's Committee. Currently, there are 35 registered scrap metal collection facilities in the district. Regarding the household collecting glass bottles on Pham Dinh Ho Street, the district leaders have directed the Thanh Khe Tay Ward People's Committee to inspect and require the owner to clean up the area to ensure environmental hygiene. Furthermore, to prevent fires and explosions, the District People's Committee will coordinate with the wards to strengthen inspections of scrap metal collection and recycling facilities. Simultaneously, they will intensify propaganda efforts to educate business owners, helping them understand that scrap metal collection must ensure environmental protection and the availability of fire prevention and firefighting equipment.

KHANH HUYEN

Source: https://baodanang.vn/xa-hoi/202505/tiem-an-nguy-co-tu-cac-co-so-phe-lieu-4007622/