City Council OKs dumping of Leganes waste in Calajunan

THE Iloilo City Council allowed the dumping of wastes from Leganes, Iloilo on the sanitary landfill in Calajunan, Mandurriao despite the city’s growing garbage problems. (FAA)

THE Iloilo City Council has allowed the dumping of residual wastes from the town of Leganes, Iloilo at the city’s sanitary landfill in Calajunan, Mandurriao.

During their regular session on Sept 25, 2018, the council approved the proposed resolution authorizing Mayor Joe Espinosa III to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the municipality of Leganes relative to the dumping of residual waste at the Calajunan dumpsite.

Councilor R Leonie Gerochi, chair of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Ecology chair, sponsored the resolution.

Gerochi said the General Services Office, which manages the dumpsite, informed him that the city dumpsite can still cater to the wastes from the neighbouring town.

“I asked Engr. Nilo Ravena for a certification of the capacity of the Calajunan dumpsite and he indicated in the document that I furnished also to the members of this body that the residual waste to be dumped by Leganes is mathematically insignificant to affect the life of the sanitary landfill,” he said.

Councilor Plaridel Nava, who objected to the resolution, questioned the MOA as it lacks a provision on compliance of Solid Waste Management Act and other related national laws on segregation of waste materials

“Meaning to say, we do not know what kind of materials will be dumped in Calajunan from Leganes. That is very essential, significant, and indispensable provision. Why? Because even the local government unit, particularly the barangays, are now mandated to segregate materials…,” he said.

Second, Nava opined that before the city government accepts garbage from other towns, it should make sure that it is capable of disposing its own wastes.

He said the city is also facing problems on garbage, citing complaints from Mandurriao residents of the foul odor emitted by the dumpsite when it rains.

Third, he said allowing one municipality to dump its garbage in the city “will be a very dangerous precedence.”

“What will prevent the municipality of Oton, what will prevent the municipality of Zarraga, what will prevent the municipality of Sta. Barbara in asking the same favour from the city government? Chances are, all of them will be asking because we have given such leeway to the municipality of Leganes,” he said.

But he clarified that he has nothing against the municipality of Leganes and the public officials and is only concerned of the plight of the people of Mandurriao.

Gerochi said he will add another provision to the MOA that “the second party shall observe pertinent legal and applicable laws for the proper and legal disposal of solid waste in the landfill.”

Councilor Joshua Alim abstained from approving the resolution.

Earlier, Gerochi said he was prompted to accept the request of the town as it is currently threatened by an administrative case for violation of Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management of 2000) for lack of sanitary landfill.

The town is currently building its own waste-to-energy facility. But pending the construction, it eyes to dump its garbage in Calajunan for one year.

Gerochi said he also eyes a “long term solution” to the problem of wastes in the city.

The memorandum included the provision on reciprocity wherein Leganes will also allow Iloilo City to dump its garbage on its waste processing facility when it becomes operational.

The MOA also stipulates that the town will pay corresponding charges at the prevailing rate per kilo of waste dumped for one year.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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