La Paz faces waste accumulation during sanitation strike

Streets in La Paz, Bolivia, are experiencing significant accumulations of waste as sanitation workers enter their second week of a strike. Employees of the collection company La Paz Limpia are demanding salary increases and a review of service tariffs in response to rising fuel costs.

The buildup of refuse near hospitals and commercial areas has raised public health concerns due to foul odors and the attraction of urban animals. Residents have reported difficulties managing household waste due to the lack of collection services.

In response, Mayor Cesar Dockweiler stated that the municipal government has activated an emergency plan. While over 4,000 municipal employees, volunteers, and machinery were mobilized to assist with waste removal, the mayor noted that current efforts are insufficient, with the city only able to collect approximately 50% of all solid waste.