PB to tackle reso on WTE facility in Balili

CEBU, Philippines - A debate on the proposed development of the controversial Balili property in Tinaan, Naga City is expected at the Provincial Board this afternoon, the last regular session for the year.

PB Member Alex Binghay has filed a resolution authorizing Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to execute and sign for and in behalf of the Province of Cebu with Waste Management Inc. (WMI) the contract or agreement for the construction and operation of an integrated Waste-To-Energy (WTE) facility in the Province of Cebu in the said property.

The property, where there is ongoing restoration project, is the subject of the cases filed by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, gubernatorial candidate Hilario Davide III and PB Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy.

The draft resolution authored by Binghay stated that the increase in population and rapid industrialization of Cebu City and the other cities and municipalities of the province have resulted in the steady increase of the volume of waste generated daily and has prompted the Province of Cebu to undertake a Waste to Energy (WTE) conversion project through the construction and operation of an integrated WTE facility on the dry land area of the Balili property not subject to litigation.

The Province of Cebu has existing agreements with several of its component cities and municipalities for the collection and treatment of approximately 2,309 tons per day of material solid waste.

The Province of Cebu,  conducted public bidding for the construction and operation of an Integrated WTE Facility.

After two failed competitive biddings, the Province of Cebu, through the EEC subsequently entered into discussions and eventually direct negotiations with WMI, which is also willing and qualified to undertake the construction, operation and maintenance of the WTE facility through a BTO arrangement, having undertaken similar projects in the Philippines.

After negotiations, the ECC found the offer of WMI fair, reasonable and advantageous and recommended for the award of the contract to WMI.

Garcia has issued the Notice of Award to WMI.

Binghay said that the execution of contract and agreement by and between the Province of Cebu and WMI is advantageous to the interests of the Province and in accordance with applicable laws of the Commission on Audit (COA) and other government rules and regulations. —/MBG (FREEMAN)