Nigel Ash TRIPOLI – Garbage is once again piling up in Tripoli's streets as disputes with local residents continue over a new landfill site in Sidi Salim. With the mounting piles of rubbish comes an increasing risk of disease, as rats and flies flourish in the detritus rotting in the growing heat. The unsafe accumulation of filth is a repeat of a breakdown in the collection and disposal system last year. At the time the NTC pledged it would solve the problem. With the closure of the old land fill in Tajoura, Tripoli Council and the 13 municipalities within it have sought to open a new disposal site in Sidi Salim. However local residents have protested the development and in recent days blocked garbage trucks from entering. Some have demanded compensation if the landfill is to go ahead. The result has been the city-wide paralysis of rubbish collection. The matter is considered so serious by Tripoli Council that it was raised by councillors this Saturday in a meeting with Prime Minister Ali Zidan, which also asked the government to pay greater attention to the capital generally and to improve security. Hisham Krekshi, Tripoli council's deputy leader told Zidan that sorting out primary rubbish collection services, as well as establish permanent landfill sites for the capital, should be treated as priorities. – Libya Herald
