Lapu-Lapu sets aside P20M for dump closure

CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City government has allocated P20 million in this year’s annual budget to finance the permanent closure of the city’s dumpsite in sitio Soong in barangay Mactan.

Lapu-Lapu City Solid Waste Management Program Consultant Cleofe Solis said her office presently closely coordinates with barangay officials and government agencies in the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Law and the related city ordinance known as the “Environmental and Sanitation Code of Lapu-Lapu City.”

She said violators had been apprehended and issued citation tickets.

Last year, a total of 1,013 violators were apprehended and issued citation tickets by the deputized Solid Waste Management Officers.

Those apprehended included a barangay captain and a school principal of a public school.

Fines collected from violators has already reached P214,750.

The city government fully operates the City Solid Waste Management Complex where a material recovery facility is located, Solis said.

The city government has also provided assistance to barangays in Lapu-Lapu for the establishment of their own material recovery facilities.

The city government has also provided employment to 273 scavengers.

Most of these scavengers work at the City MRF, city’s Clean and Green Program, City’s Nursery, and the City Agriculture Eco-Park. (FREEMAN)