$7-M loan for Metro trash projects

An estimated $7 million (P343 million) has been allocated by the Asian Development Bank for the solid waste management projects of Metro Manila.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said yesterday that the $7 million would be made available in the form of a soft loan. He explained that the loan is already available for the MMDA to use at any time.

He added that the ADB has not required the MMDA to come up with any specific project for the loan. "As long as the project gets the approval of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, we can use the loan," Abalos said.

The MMDA has already undertaken several consultations with the local government units of Metro Manila to develop composting facilities within their respective areas.

Initially, the MMDA has started developing two areas in Pasig and Las Piñas for the composting facilities. The two facilities would make use of locally available technologies and equipment with the help of various non-government organizations.

Abalos explained that the ADB loan could be used for the purchase of equipment for the composting facilities or for the development of the site itself.

The MMDA has yet to decide on a concrete plan of action to handle 6,000 tons of garbage generated in Metro Manila daily. The MMDA has received several proposals from various private firms that claim to have the ultimate solution. Various issues have yet to be addressed on the proposals such as track record and cost of implementation.