Cebu City finds lot for garbage owner would allow the use of his property for free

CEBU, Philippines - After the refusal of Naga City and Consolacion to accept garbage from Cebu City, Mayor Michael Rama said the City already identified a site that could cater to the needs of the city’s residents.

In a press conference, Rama said the city will not be burdened in paying for the private-owned property after the owner agreed for its use, at no cost to the City Government.

“Daghang proposal pero naay private lot sa Cebu City that will be used nga wala’y bayad,” Rama said.

He, however, refused to divulge the place and the owner of the property.

Rama is determined to close down the 15.41-hectare Inayawan Landfill as it already exceeded its seven-year lifespan. It opened in 1998 and should have been closed in 2005 yet.

The P208.7-million facility was funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The mayor ordered his staff for an urgent meeting with representatives of various government agencies and civic groups to discuss how to solve the garbage problem in the city.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) gave Cebu City until March to comply with solid waste management laws and to start looking for another landfill.

Inayawan Barangay Captain Rustico Ignacio complained before City Councilor Joey Daluz that the wastewater system in the landfill has outlived its use and the garbage overflowed, contaminating nearby water sources.

In yesterday’s Cebu City Council session, councilors approved the release of P4.5 million, which is charged against the calamity funds, to cover the expenses for the rental of heavy equipment that will be used to operate the landfill. It includes the equipment such as backhoe and bulldozers.

City Councilor Eduardo Rama, chairman of the committee on public services, said the equipment will be used for the garbage leveling, compacting, sloping of dumpsite and compression of the garbage. 

The city generates about 500 tons of garbage daily. — (FREEMAN)