Illegal Dumping Turns Changhua Drainage Channel into 'Garbage Drain'

A drainage channel known as Qiaotou Second Drain, located at the border of Lukang Township and Fuxing Township in Changhua County, Taiwan, has been repeatedly targeted by individuals illegally dumping garbage. The accumulation of waste has transformed the channel into what locals are calling a "garbage drain," causing significant distress and foul odors, especially during hot weather.

Frustrated by the persistent issue, Xu Sheng-jia, the village chief of Jiewei Village in Lukang, took matters into his own hands. For nearly a month, he conducted stakeouts, acting like a detective to catch the culprits. His efforts paid off when he successfully apprehended a repeat offender who had been dumping trash for 20 consecutive days. Xu reportedly demanded the offender clear the dumped garbage themselves.

This is not the first time illegal dumping has been addressed. Xu recounted an instance where he found personal information within the discarded trash, allowing him to return the garbage to the owner's residence. However, he noted that despite these interventions, the problem persists, with new individuals continuing to dump waste.

Xu Sheng-jia expressed his helplessness and frustration, stating, "There are many uncultured people." While he attempts to clear smaller amounts of garbage himself, larger cleanups are often handed over to the county government's Water Resources Department. The situation underscores a significant challenge in maintaining environmental hygiene and public order in the area, despite the dedicated efforts of local officials.