Metro mayors mull open dumpsites

Metro Manila mayors are getting worried over the impending garbage crisis expected to hit the metropolis by the end of the year.

After two recent meetings at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the 17 Metro Manila mayors have all but resigned themselves to the apparent inability of the government to find a new landfill site before yearend.

MMDA chairman Jejomar Binay told reporters yesterday that a possible option most likely to be taken by the local government executives at the end of the year is the use of open dumpsites.

During yesterday’s meeting, a more comprehensive discussion was held on the open dumpsite proposal with the representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Health. Issues concerning sanitation and the rehabilitation of the dumpsites to be used were also tackled by the mayors yesterday.

Binay said guidelines on the use of the dumpsites have been worked out with emphasis on the environmental and health concerns.

The mayors have agreed on a shift from the current practice of dumping all garbage into one site to the implementation of the so-called cluster scheme.

Under the cluster scheme, a total of four dumpsites will be utilized among the 17 cities and municipalities.

According to the MMDA, the eastern district, which includes Pasig, Marikina and Mandaluyong, will dump its garbage in a designated dumpsite in Montalban, Rizal.

For the areas of Carmona, Quezon City and Manila, a dumpsite in Navotas will be designated to go along with the existing facility in Malabon.

The southern district, composed of Las Piñas, Parañaque, Taguig, Pateros, Muntinlupa and Makati, will be assigned to a site in Muntinlupa.

Pasay Cityhas proposed a site at the exclamation area long Roxas Boulevard for its exclusive use.

Binay said the Metro Mayors Council has requested Pasay City to allow the use of its dumpsite to some of the southern district local government units.

He explained that the use of open dumpsites will only be a temporary arrangement until such time that a new landfill is developed. "I am optimistic that there will be no garbage crisis at the end of this year," said Binay.