Private group’s aid seen to help revive Butuanon River

CEBU, Philippines – By tapping the private sector, barangay and city officials of Mandaue are optimistic that the dumping of waste in Butuanon River can now be controlled.

Members of the Butuanon River Waste and Management Board said the early implementation of the river rehabilitation is believed to address the problem.

The Mandaue City government allocated an initial amount of P1.5 million for the start of the river rehabilitation.

Mayor Jonas Cortes said the pollution problem at Butuanon River has been a problem since he assumed office in 2007.

It was learned that several attempts of the previous administration to rehabilitate Butuanon River had failed.

The lack of funds to finance its rehabilitation is one of the problems encountered by the city officials of Mandaue.

Barangay officials of Canduman, Cabancalan, Casuntingan, Maguikay, Ibabao-Estancia, Alang-Alang, Paknaan, Tabok, Umapad and Opao where the Butuanon River takes its course have also been tapped to clean the river.

While some business and industrial establishments have been tagged as having contributed to the problem of Butuanon River pollution, the domestic waste was also pinpointed as also a cause.