GMA gives mayors 72 hours to clean up Metro

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo gave local government officials of the National Capital Region and Region 4-A to start cleaning their areas of jurisdiction of garbage and restore vital public services within 72 hours.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez said the President gave the order during last Saturday’s National Disaster Coordinating Council meeting at Camp Aguinaldo, though the Department of Interior and Local Government issued its own order for local government officials only the following day.

Mrs. Arroyo, Golez said, was concerned as garbage remains scattered throughout the flooded parts of the metropolis, particularly along secondary roads.

The President said local governments should push their garbage contractors to work harder and take the initiative of getting more trucks to augment their existing fleet.

She also said garbage haulers could voluntarily hire more trucks, considering they have huge contracts with the local governments for the collection of garbage.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando assured the President that the garbage is being collected, but admitted the bulk of the operation has been centered in areas hardest hit by tropical storm “Ondoy,” which left 10 times more garbage than usual.

Almost all areas of Metro Manila has been suffering from the absence of garbage collectors since Ondoy struck last Sept. 26.

The piles of garbage have slowed down the government’s cleanup and rehabilitation efforts because trucks and other heavy machinery cannot pass through secondary roads.

Golez asked residents to pack their garbage and keep them in the house until haulers arrive. Fernando, on the other hand, said biodegradable trash may be flushed down the toilet since septic tanks are able to handle biodegradable garbage.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System has been going around Metro Manila to desludge septic tanks that overflowed during or after the flood.

Acting DILG Secretary Melchor Rosales also directed local officials in typhoon-stricken areas to prepare primary evacuation centers – such as national or local government-owned buildings, gyms, or multi-purpose halls, or even those owned by private entities – so evacuees could be transferred from public schools buildings and other overcrowded centers.

He said these primary evacuation centers should have adequate supplies of potable water and electricity as well as health and sanitary facilities.