Local officials and residents of the municipalities of Aljustrel and Castro Verde have been protesting against the bad smell and "clouds" of flies that have been affecting the region. These issues are directly associated with the use of sludge in local agricultural activity.
The problem became serious enough for the Government to intervene, demanding "urgent action" from the competent authorities to resolve the situation affecting the quality of life of the populations of these two communities.
Aljustrel and Castro Verde are municipalities in Baixo Alentejo known for their strong agricultural tradition, which explains the use of sludge as fertilizer in the region's soils. This type of practice, although common in agriculture, has been generating growing opposition among residents.
