Waste management crises impact Santiago regions in Dominican Republic and Peru

Residents in different regions are facing public health risks due to waste management failures. In the Higüerito municipal district of Moca, a landfill fire has released smoke that has drifted into various sectors of Santiago, causing respiratory issues among inhabitants. Authorities are investigating whether the fire was caused by criminal activity or high temperatures, noting that thick smoke has hindered firefighting efforts and disrupted garbage collection services.

In the Santiago district of Cusco, Peru, residents have reported a collapse in the public cleaning system. Significant accumulations of waste have been reported near the construction site of the Materno Infantil Hospital in the Belén sector. Local citizens have criticized Mayor Sergio Sullca Condori, alleging that the lack of sanitation services is due to the administration prioritizing political campaigning over essential municipal duties.