Open dumpsite proposal scrapped, Binay assures

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Jejomar Binay gave his assurance that there is no plan to push through with the use of open dumpsites next year.

He issued the statement in response to concerns raised by some Metro mayors on the possibility of tapping the use of open dumpsites to replace the San Mateo sanitary landfill.

Binay clarified that option will no longer be exercised as the government has already found an alternative site for Metro Manila’s garbage.

It would be recalled that the MMDA proposed some two months ago the use of open dumpsites in eight local government units around Metro Manila while it was still searching for a solution to the garbage problem.

The proposal arose out of the suspension in the government’s bidding for a new landfill due to two successive temporary restraining orders filed in court against the bidding process.

Binay reported earlier that the use of open dumpsites was welcomed by the mayors as a temporary measure against the possibility of a garbage crisis.

However, Binay stressed that the recent selection of R-II DMCI to handle the development of an interim landfill in Semirara, Antique has effectively erased the need to revive the open dumpsite option.

Last week, the Metro Mayors Council issued a notice to award to Malacañang for R-II DMCI’s project for its immediate implementation.

Binay noted that the environmental clearance certificate, the last requirement of the proponent, would be secured before the start of 2001. He noted that a dry-run would be conducted this week to test the capabilities of R-II DMCI.

R-II DMCI will be using its coal barges to ship the more than 4,000 tons of daily garbage from Metro Manila to the island of Semirara.

The barges are said to be capable of carrying a total of 5,000 tons on a single trip from the transfer station at Pier 18, Manila to Antique.

Officials and residents of Antique though are very much opposed to the project primarily because of the environmental issues involved.

The island of Semirara is said to be a protected area, specifically because of its declaration in 1982 as a marine turtle sanctuary.

Antique residents also cited violations of the laws of the seas in the transport of substances such as garbage which could harm the marine ecology.

Antique officials are said to be against the project and would fight to disapprove it on the provincial board level. These concerns has revived the discussion about the use of open dumpsites and the extension of the San Mateo landfill after Dec. 31.

Flagship Programs and Projects Secretary Roberto Aventajado has vehemently denied the possibility of extending the use of San Mateo.

Aventajado claimed that the requirements submitted by the proponent during the previous bidding for a permanent landfill were already sufficient for the interim landfill.

R-II Builder’s partner DMCI was formerly with Celdex during the bidding for a permanent landfill. DMCI decided to shift its support to R-II recently to participate in the re-bidding for an interim facility.