For the second time in a week, a Chinese city has announced it would halt plans for a garbage incinerator project following angry protests by residents that underscore growing concern over threats to public health.

 

The government of Nanxian (NAN'-she-ahn) in the southern province of Hunan said Thursday in a public notice that it would cease all work related to the project and would not start up again without public support.

 

China is faced with the mounting challenge of disposing solid waste generated in ever-larger cities. However, public distrust runs deep as people question their local governments' ability to properly plan, build and manage trash incinerators.

 

When those projects move ahead, public anger is often stirred over fears they would cause air, water and soil pollution.

 

Without a voice inside the city hall, residents usually resort to street protests. Local governments tend to cave in to calm public sentiments and keep order, while seeking to punish those who have initiated the protests, leaving garbage disposal an unsolved problem.

 

Last Friday, the Haiyan county government in the eastern province of Zhejiang halted plans for a trash incinerator after rowdy streets protests.

 

In Nanxian, hundreds took to the street on Monday and Tuesday to protest the project citing pollution concerns, overseas Chinese news sites reported. (AP)

 

 

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