EDITORIAL - Trash problem

A private sanitary landfill in the Cebu City mountain barangay of Binaliw is now the subject of protest allegedly due to the foul odor that it emits. At least 100 residents staged a rally at the site seeking for an issuance of a cease and desist order against the landfill’s operations.

Despite the protest, it seems the 10-hectare landfill will continue to operate as City Hall’s Bids and Awards Committee declared its operator, ARN Builders, Inc., as the winner in the bidding for a service provider to haul the city’s garbage.

According to BAC head Ronaldo Malacora, ARN won after it passed the post-qualification stage.

The firm was able to submit its financial, legal, and technical documents. The garbage contract reportedly amounted to P65 million.

Now, the Binaliw landfill will serve as the disposal site of the city’s garbage generated from July to December. Malacora said at P647 per ton, ARN has the lowest bidding price, beating the offer of another bidder, Jomara Konstruckt Inc.

But will the move against it affect the operation of the landfill? During last Saturday’s protest, Binaliw residents kick-started a signature campaign seeking a stop to its operation, alleging it has been emitting foul odor since it opened in March. As of Sunday, the drive has gathered 500 signatures which will be submitted to City Hall.

As far as documents are concerned, the firm has complied with all the requirements needed for it to legally operate. But can a foul odor complaint be enough ground for the government to rescind ARN’s permit to operate?

That is for the authorities to decide. As far as we know, the Binaliw landfill is the only site for the city to dispose of its trash. Closing it down is not really a good decision in the absence of an alternative dumpsite.

Surely, there are countless remedies to the problem of foul odor coming from the Binaliw landfill. Succumbing to the pressure from the protesters would only mean a looming garbage disaster ahead, as residents will have to brace for a stinking city stemming from uncollected rotten trash.