Interim landfill decision in 2 weeks

The government has guaranteed to come up with a decision on the interim facility for garbage in two to three weeks as the Dec. 31 Metro Manila garbage "doomsday" draws near.

A total of five firms have expressed interest in participating in the government’s search for an interim facility to take over the soon-to-be closed San Mateo sanitary landfill in Rizal.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager Violate Seva said yesterday that the Metro mayors have agreed in principle on adopting at least two of the proponents to take care of the almost 6,000 tons of garbage generated in the metropolis daily.

Originally there were only two firms who came forward with their proposals for the interim facility, however, as of yesterday, three more firms have entered the picture. Seva identified the proponents as Pro-Environment Consortium, Celdez Mines, R-11 Builders, FLB Kabukiran and Waste Action Recycling.

All the firms except Waste Action Recycling were participants in the bidding conducted by the government for a new sanitary landfill. A sixth firm, Dizon Mines, has also been asked to join. According to Seva, the mayors have agreed to select two to three of the proponents to set up an interim facility.

The five proponents have been given until today to submit their formal proposals for the interim facility.

MMDA chairman Jejomoar Binay said the decision would be rendered within the next two weeks. "The Metro Manila Council has been conducting two to three meetings per week during the past two months just to make sure Metro Manila will have new controlled dumpsites before the San Mateo landfill closes down on January 1 next year," Binay said.

Seva noted that what was agreed upon initially was using controlled dumpsites as the technology of choice.

She explained that with controlled dumpsites, the proponents no longer have to secure an Environmental Clearance Certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in order to operate.
The proponents have all guaranteed to have a fully operational facility by Jan. 1, 2001. On top of the five proponents, the government is still looking at tapping local government units for managing their own solid waste as a contingency measure.

Seva claimed that the existing controlled dumpsites in Malabon, Valenzuela and Las Piñas would still be maintained until such time that they are no longer deemed necessary. The New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa has also been identified as an option by the MMDA.

Flagship Programs and Projects Secretary Robert Aventajado is currently negotiating with the Department of Justice for the use of the NBP. – Marvin Sy