Quezon City cracks down on contractors skipping cleanup

MANILA, Philippines — As part of efforts to address flooding and other safety concerns, the Quezon City government will impose fines on contractors that fail to conduct cleanup after completing infrastructure projects.

Mayor Joy Belmonte recently signed an ordinance requiring contractors of all public and private infrastructure projects to secure a certificate of site restoration and cleanup compliance.

Belmonte said the policy aims to prevent construction debris from obstructing roads, sidewalks, drainage systems, waterways and other public spaces, which she said can worsen flooding and endanger residents.

“Every infrastructure project must be completed in a safe, orderly and environmentally responsible manner,” Belmonte said. “No developer or project proponent should be allowed to leave behind debris that threatens our people, communities and environment.”

Under the ordinance, project proponents are required to clear all construction and demolition debris from the project site; restore affected roads, sidewalks, drainage systems and rights-of-way; ensure proper backfilling and compaction; comply with engineering, environmental and waste-management regulations; and transport and dispose of, recover or recycle debris only through authorized facilities.

The certificate will be issued only after the project obtains the clearances required from different local agencies.

Those who violate the ordinance will face fines, as well as sanctions such as suspension or denial of building-related permits, forfeiture or non-release of performance bonds or guarantees for public infrastructure projects and suspension or closure of ongoing construction operations.