Council summons landfill operator

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council has summoned to an executive session Tuesday next week the management of a private landfill in Barangay Binaliw to explain the numerous complaints from the residents about the alleged foul smell emitted from the waste facility.

In a privilege speech last Wednesday, Councilor Nestor Archival Sr. sought to address the environmental concern that allegedly threatens the well-being of the residents of Binaliw.

Archival wants the officials of Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. (PWS) to appear before the City Council during an executive session set on September 3 in the afternoon.

Also invited to attend the executive session are the representatives of Spring Valley Countryhomes, Woodland Subdivision, Santa Anna Urban Poor Subdivision, barangay officials of Binaliw, Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB)-7, Cebu City Administrator, Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and the Department of Public Services.

The executive session aims to discuss the complaints hounding the Binaliw Landfill. Archival said, while the role of Binaliw Landfill is crucial in the city’s waste management, environmental concerns are paramount especially if it is affecting public health.

 “This stench is not merely a nuisance, it is a serious concern impacting public health, the quality of life, and the environment,” said Archival.

According to Archival, they have received complaints from the residents of Spring Valley Countryhomes, Woodland Subdivision, and Santa Anna Urban Poor Subdivision in Barangay Binaliw against the alleged foul odor coming from the landfill.

The complaints were already referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, Energy and Utilities and the Committee on Health.

Acting Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros sees the urgency of the matter prompting him to immediately schedule the executive session next week.

Earlier, acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said he will personally inspect the facility to see for himself if the complaints are true. —  FPL  (CEBU NEWS)