Kepco finds new place for coal ash

CEBU, Philippines - Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong yesterday said the termination of the contract between Kepco-Salcon Power Corp. on coal ash dumping will no longer have a bearing, as the power company has reportedly found ways to dispose of its coal waste.

“Supposedly wala naman na’y bearing because the coal ash problem of Kepco has been taken care of.  It goes to Apo Cement and Geo Transport,” said Chiong.

During its regular session last Monday, the Cebu Provincial Board authorized Governor Hilario Davide III to terminate the contract between Kepco and the provincial government under the administration of former governor, now third district Representative Gwendolyn Garcia.

With the contract, Kepco has been allowed to dump its coal ash in the controversial Balili property in Barangay Tinaan, Naga City.

However, the contract was not implemented after it was found out that the 25-hectare property, which the province bought for P98.9 million, was submerged in water, meaning it was a public domain.

Chiong said they are happy that the company was able to find another way to dispose of its coal ash to these two private firms.

Kepco-SPC has a 200-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Naga City.

“About time sad gyud nga mahuman kay di man gyud magamit ang Balili property,” added Chiong. —/ATO (FREEMAN)