The Netherlands’ Ocean Cleanup organization had a working session with leaders of Can Tho city on July 24 to discuss the implementation of automatic technology to collect wastes floating on rivers in the city.The project aims at reducing the amount of non-biodegradable wastes discharged into the sea causing long-term environmental pollution, as well as reducing labor costs in traditional garbage collection.
At the working session. Photo: Anh Tuyet
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Sensors will ensure the amount of waste in each bag does not overload or overflow. The system is controlled by a simple electronic board along with cameras connected to the Internet, allowing the operator to conduct the trash collection on a smart phone, Tim Van Emmerick said.
Garbage collection boats are anchored in the river by solar energy and automatic sensor systems. Each boat is worth around EUR300,000-400,000 (US$350,850-467,800), the Dutch representative added.
Dao Anh Dung, vice chairman of the Can Tho City People's Committee expressed optimism about the feasibility of the project.
When the project is successful, it will be a model for replication in Mekong Delta provinces, where the river system is intertwined and people rely heavily on the river, Dung said.
He proposed departments in the city in close coordination with the Dutch organization to quickly bring the project into practice.
Initially, Can Tho will select two locations for the pilot scheme (Ninh Kieu wharf in Ninh Kieu district) and the Cai Rang floating market (Cai Rang district). These are famous tourist attractions with numerous visitors and become eyesores of floating rubbish bags.
