Cebu-Talisay trash deal an uphill battle

CEBU, Philippines – Even if it's not one of today's council session agenda, Cebu City's request to dump its trash in Talisay City's landfill in Barangay Tapul will be likely met with disproval.

This was the consensus reached by some members of Talisay City Council in a meeting called by Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante yesterday morning attended by Councilors Socrates Fernandez, Richard Francis Aznar, Edward Alesna, Doroteo Emit, Aldin Diaz and Danilo Caballero.

Villarante, the council presiding officer, said the matter will not be discussed in today's council session since the formal request of mayor has not yet been transmitted to the council for agenda.

"There's no compromise. At this point in time, dili nalang maghagu-hago ang talahurong mayor sa Cebu City nga makigsulti sa konseho kay decided naman ang mayoriya sa konseho nga supak gayud sa paglabay sa ilang basura sa Talisay," Villarante said.

Mayor Johnny De los Reyes and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama had a talk earlier, with De los Reyes confirming that he indeed verbally acceded to the request of Rama to allow Cebu City to dump its garbage in Tapul.

The Talisay City-operated sanitary landfill, which has been operational since 2005, has an area of more than two hectares.

But even if the request will be forwarded to the council, Fernandez said Alayon councilors will vote against the proposal.

"Hugpong gyud ang huna-huna sa council nga dili nato ma-accommodate ang basura sa Cebu City. It's logical nga unahon una nato ang basura sa Talisay una sa ubang LGUs," Fernandez said.

According to Aznar, the barangays also need to be consulted, especially the residents of Barangays Maghaway and Tapul because they will be the first ones to be affected.

Aznar is particularly worried about the deal's effect on the lifespan of the dumpsite.

Separately, head of the city's Solid Waste Management office Edwin Nierves said Talisay's dumpsite cannot withstand more loads of garbage.

Nierves said even though De los Reyes' idea of letting Cebu City dump garbage in the city could help raise revenue, the Tapul dumpsite does not have sufficient capacity to accept waste from other LGUs.

Nierves added that Talisay's daily garbage rate of 80 tons per day is a far cry from Cebu City's 400 tons daily.

Earlier, the Cebu City government closed its 15.4-hectare Inayawan facility, which had been in operation for the past 15 years.

The facility has reached its lifespan and continued use may pose hazard to public health and the environment.