No to landfill expansion

CEBU, Philippines —  A proposal to expand the landfill operated by ARN Central Waste Management Inc. in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City has been met with opposition from some barangay officials and residents.

Binaliw councilwoman Daisy Ybañez said that the barangay council will discuss the issue further during a meeting today, December 12, but most members have already aired their objection to the planned expansion.

The barangay councilors are hoping to get an audience with Mayor Michael Rama to air their side of the matter.

Ybañez said that the barangay officials’ opposition stems from the opposition of around 300 residents.

In an interview with KTV News, Ybañez said foul smell emanating from the facility continues to pose a health threat to residents, adding that the landfill also threatens their water source. This, even as the Metropolitan Cebu Water District is already set to deliver water to the residents.

“Kung mag-expand sila, ang Binaliw mahimo na unya na’g basurahan hangtud sa hangtod. Ang amo man gud, ang health sa mga tawo diha ba. Ang tubig, bisan naa na unyay MCWD, nagsalig gihapon ang mga tawo sa tubig sa sapa,” said Ybañez.

Ybanez added that all the problems they encountered had not been addressed and corrected even with formal complaints already filed with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau.

She said ARN just paid penalties for any violation without making the necessary corrections.

She said they are doubting statements being floated that the supposed expansion will only be for parameter fencing and buffer.

“Sa pagkakaron (perimeter fencing). Wa ta kabalo in the future. Og mahurot na unya lubong, kawot, lubong, kawot, asa naman unya sila? Sige’g pamalitay, sigeg expand-expand, ang mahitabo ani mas dako pa unyang area sa basurahan kaysa para sa mga tawo,” Ybañez lamented.

The councilwoman said part of the reason why they would like to talk this out with the mayor was the latter’s prior statement on the possibility of closing the landfill.

“Moadto mi ni Mayor Mike kay ni-promise man to siya nga ipa-close ang Binaliw. Maypa himuong tourist spot kay luoy na kaayong Binaliw, naa pay menteryo, naa pay basurahan. What will happen to our next generation kung mapuno na unya na kay wa man na matuman ang ilang material recovery facility kunuhay?” said Ybañez.

The FREEMAN was still trying to get the side of ARN as of press time.

More Objections

Meanwhile, Engr. Alan Dinampo, president of the Cebu Climate Change Association Inc. and member of the Cebu City Solid Waste Management Board, also relayed the vehement objection of Binaliw residents to ARN’s expansion program during a public hearing on December 9.

Dinampo said the Cebu City government already signed a memorandum of agreement with New Sky for a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility. With Cebu City’s garbage going to the WTE, he said ARN is expected to get garbage from other cities, which it is already doing.

The result? Cebu City is becoming a dumping ground for other cities’ trash, said Dinampo.

Dinampo also said that with ARN receiving unsegregated wastes, it would be unhealthy for the community since more greenhouse gasses are emitted into the atmosphere.

ARN allegedly failed to follow the procedure on covering the wastes with 30-cm thick soil everyday and possibly collect methane gas and use it.

The land value near the landfill is also anticipated to decrease with the foul odor around.

Binaliw is a residential area and a neighboring barangay of protected areas.

“Had they been honest from the start in applying for their clearances, they won't be given an endorsement. However, they camouflage as MRF yet operate as dumpsite,” Dinampo said.

Improvements

For its part, though, ARN has promised improvements following its acquisition by Razon Group of Companies.

Rama earlier said he will leave this matter to the City Council as he would not want to act like a spokesperson of Razon.

Rama met with Enrique Razon in Manila a few months back for investment seeking, but the discussion revealed was only for the construction of a dam.

Razon Group’s acquisition of ARN was disclosed earlier this month.

The Razon Group of Companies has promised to build a state-of-the-art MRF which will be at par with others abroad, just like the ones in Singapore, which is the inspiration of Rama’s present administration.

Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. (PIWSI), a Prime Infra subsidiary, is also set to fully acquire ARN.

ARN currently receives around 1,000 tons of Cebu province’s municipal solid wastes daily.

ARN is the first waste management business that Prime Infra is developing and upgrading.  – JMD (FREEMAN)