Residents staged a protest in front of the Jaffna Municipal Council, alleging that the operations of the Kakkaitheevu Solid Waste Recycling Centre have caused severe public health and environmental problems.
The protest was attended by residents from several affected areas, including Aarukaal Madam, Pazham Veethi and neighbouring localities within the J/88 and J/85 Grama Niladhari divisions and the Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha area.
The Kakkaitheevu Recycling Centre was originally established by the Jaffna Municipal Council to segregate solid waste, recycle reusable materials and convert waste into compost.
However, residents alleged that large volumes of garbage have been left to accumulate for prolonged periods without proper processing. They claimed that decomposing waste has produced a strong stench, while leachate from the site has contaminated the surrounding environment and nearby residential areas.
Residents also warned that the conditions have led to an increase in flies and mosquitoes, raising fears over the spread of diseases, including diarrhoea, vomiting, skin infections and other illnesses.
They further alleged that waste is no longer being properly sorted and is instead being openly burned. Protesters said the smoke from burning waste has caused respiratory difficulties, particularly among children, the elderly and other vulnerable residents.
Residents said the recycling facility had previously maintained proper waste management practices, including the production and sale of compost generated from processed waste. They alleged that those practices have now been abandoned, leaving surrounding communities to bear the consequences of poor management.
Holding the Jaffna Municipal Council responsible for the deteriorating situation, protesters demanded that the Mayor and Municipal Commissioner personally visit the site and announce a permanent solution without delay.
They warned that if immediate action is not taken, they will intensify their protest campaign until a lasting resolution is reached.
The protest adds to growing frustration in Jaffna over local waste management failures, with residents insisting that recycling and composting facilities must not be allowed to become sources of pollution.
