The People’s Committee of south central Binh Thuan province has ordered relevant agencies to tackle the problems arising from large quantities of waste washing up along Phan Thiet coast, affecting tourism.

Trash on a beach in Mui Ne in Phan Thiet city. Local authorities have ordered a clean-up. (Photo: vov.vn)

The People’s Committee has instructed Mui Ne, Ham Tien and Phu Hai wards and Tien Thanh commune to collaborate with the Binh Thuan Environmental and Urban Services JSC to immediately collect and process the trash to minimise the impacts on tourism.

The provincial authorities also told the Binh Thuan Tourism Association to instruct tourism businesses to collect and treat trash on beaches and contribute funds for buying equipment for collecting, transporting and treating waste found on beaches.

Between May to August every year large quantities of fishing equipment, plastic bottles and bags and household utensils wash ashore in Mui Ne, Ham Tien and Phu Hai wards and Tien Thanh commune, causing grave concern among local residents and visitors and tourism-related businesses.

Tran Hoang Nam, a traveller from Ho Chi Minh City, said Phan Thiet has many beautiful beaches and resorts offering good services, but the trash along the coast spoils the environment. “We wanted to visit a fishing village in Mui Ne ward, but were horrified by the stink and decided not to.”

He blamed it on the wastewater from households and fish drying on the village’s roads.-VNA