Baghdad's trash piles up

The Baghdad municipality has launched new plans to tackle the capital's rubbish problem, though there are question marks over whether the city has the money or manpower for the clean-up. City officials said they have begun new equipment purchases and discussions with foreign waste-removal companies, and are launching a media campaign to boost public awareness. Yet even those involved in the civic improvement plans admit the government faces a formidable problem made worse by years of neglect. "Baghdad is not like other places, and the issues are complex. The municipality is not doing its job properly, but at the same time we lack laws that prohibit the public from littering and polluting. This is why we are unable to provide a healthy environment," said Qasim Dawood, a member of parliament's health and environment committee. Dawood said the trash piling up in Baghdad's alleyways, open spaces and bazaars ranges from common household refuse to construction debris, non-degradable plastics and rotting organic waste.