JVR warns vs dumping garbage in Mananga

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes yesterday warned residents and business owners to stop dumping garbage and coconut husk in the Mananga River, which is considered as a major resource of the city.

De los Reyes is aware that Mananga river has lately been subject of controversies where the rampant of illegal extraction of sand and illegal dumping of garbage there have been tagged as among the complaints.

"Nag-clean-up drive ta niadtong Earth Day unya among nadiskubrian nga gihimong labayanan sa basura ang ilawom sa taytayan sa Mananga ilabi na gyud sa mga bukong," said city information officer Vince Monterde.

Monterde said that clean-up drive aimed to raise awareness among the residents that Mananga River should always be kept clean.

During the clean up, he said there were loads of garbage containing items, such as coconut husks and plastics.

City Counilor Antonio Bacaltos Jr., chairman of the Committee on Environmental Protection, Wildlife Ecology and Natural Resources Management, is asking the mayor to install a steel  matting fence above the concrete railing of the Mananga Bridge.

Bacaltos said the existing Barangay Ordinance in Lawaan II prohibiting the dumping of garbage below the bridge has not prevented nor deterred the irresponsible dumping of garbage below the Mananga Bridge.

Bacaltos believed that installing a fence made of steel matting above the concrete railing of the identified portion of the Mananga Bridge will surely prevent and stop the irresponsible dumping of garbage at said bridge.

"This type of structure has been proven effective in preventing waste dumping as initiated by the City of Cebu on Guadalupe Bridge and various Cebu City Esteros," he said. 

It was confirmed during April 26, 2014 Mananga River Clean-up in observance of the Earth Day celebration, that portion of the Mananga Bridge is being used as a dumping point of coconut husks and solid waste. 

"The volume of accumulated coconut husks and recyclable wastes at the foot of the bridge has been so enormous that high water on the Mananga River during flash floods will surely wash out these unwanted wastes to the river downstream and ending in our coastal barangay beach fronts," Bacaltos said. (FREEMAN)