Rama signs order closing landfill

CEBU, Philippines - The Inayawan Sanitary Landfill only has until December 10 to operate.

This after Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama signed an order stopping the dumping activities at Inayawan Landfill during a meeting of the Solid Waste Management Board yesterday.

Once the Inayawan Landfill totally closes, the city would start disposing of its garbage at private landfill facility in Pulog, Consolacion.

The Inayawan Landfill, which has a total lot area of 14.41 hectares and has a dumping area of 11.73 hectares, is said to have reached its maximum capacity. It is already operating as an open dumpsite instead of a landfill, which violates republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

The law requires the segregation of wastes and proper management of toxic wastes.

Rama said the cessation order that he signed will pave the way for the final closure of the landfill.

Last April 1, the city government re-implemented the “No Segregation, No Collection” policy.

“It was not easy for us to decide last April 1, where many were confused on how Cebu City would handle its garbage,” Rama said.

But he mentioned that people were responding well to the segregation process.

The order stated that the Department of Public Services and all entities in the city are directed to undertake corrective measures preparatory to the landfill’s eventual closure.

“DPS is tasked to assist and guide all concerned barangays entities and the like on and where to dispose of the solid waste,” the order stated.

Rama said the signing of the order was timely because he went earlier in the day to a forum on climate change and global warming.

He said that this development could be a good start for the city to help mitigate environmental problems. — (FREEMAN)