7 barangays fined for violating garbage policy

CEBU, Philippines - Over 200 individuals and seven barangays have been issued citation tickets by the Cebu City Environmental Sanitation and Enforcement Team for violation of the Solid Waste Management Act since the new garbage policy was implemented a week ago.

CESET receiving officer Susan Sanchez said they have recorded 248 individuals caught for indiscriminate throwing of garbage and non-segregation of wastes since April 1. Some of the violators were fined P500 while some opted to render community service.

According to Sanchez, there were 20 out of the 248 violators cited who have paid the fine while 10 have rendered community service. There were also 10 individuals that were only given stern warning because they are senior citizens.

The seven barangays in the city that were issued citation tickets for violation of City Ordinance 2031 were Banilad, Guadalupe, Tejero, Tisa, Ermita, Suba and Tinago.

The barangays were asked to pay P500 fine for not following the “no segregation, no collection” policy. So far, only Tejero and Tinago have paid.

The city has scheduled the collection of biodegradable wastes every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday while Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for non-biodegradable.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has ordered the closure of Inayawan Sanitary Landfill starting April 1. Since then landfill personnel were ordered to stop accepting unsegregated garbage in compliance with the Solid Waste Management Act.  (FREEMAN)