New garbage trucks hoped to solve collection delay

CEBU, Philippines — With the arrival of 21 brand-new garbage compactor trucks, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella expects that the occasional complaints raised by some residents over the delay in garbage collection may now be addressed.

The new trucks, which cost P166 million and arrived yesterday, are a welcome addition to the existing 11 trucks already in operation.

The ceremonial turnover was attended by Labella, Tomohiro Oshita, vice president for business planning at Hino Motors Philippines Corp. and Oliver dela Cruz, assistant vice president for sales at Hino Motors.

The trucks were bid out during the former administration of Tomas Osmeña.

“I expect our garbage collection to improve and be more efficient. I cannot see any excuses anymore because there will be about 32 garbage trucks now,” said Labella.

At the event, Labella reiterated his stand that the city should stop outsourcing garbage collection because it proves costly to the city. He said the city spends P25 million for the outsourcing of the garbage collection.

“We can save the outsourcing amount. We are seriously considering stopping the outsourcing,” he said.

Labella has asked City Councilor Eduardo Rama and City Legal Officer Attorney Rey Gealon to assist in monitoring the garbage collection.

He said the garbage trucks will be collecting trash from the urban city area.

Meanwhile, still on waste management, Labella said that the city is planning to procure P20 million worth of garbage bins under the annual budget for next year.

“We will put up garbage bins. We noticed some undisciplined residents who just throw their garbage on the streets, especially in areas the bins should be located,” the mayor said.

Labella has also challenged Cebu City Environmental and Sanitation Enforcement Team head Grace Luardo to be more active in checking out those who will indiscriminately throw their garbage.  JMD (FREEMAN)