Cebu City Council has mandated Mayor Nestor Archival to submit a comprehensive transition plan within 30 days for managing waste disposal, particularly at the South Road Properties (SRP). This decision comes in the wake of an ongoing garbage crisis exacerbated by the tragic Binaliw trash slide that resulted in 36 fatalities.
Urgent Need for a New Waste Management Strategy
The tragic Binaliw trash slide should have been an eye-opener for all of us because it exposed the vulnerabilities of our waste management system.
Joel Garganera, Councilor
- Councilor Garganera highlights the necessity of a transparent, data-driven approach to waste management.
- Vice Mayor Osmeña expresses concerns about the financial sustainability of current waste disposal methods.
During a recent council session, Councilor Joel Garganera criticized the city's lack of transparency regarding waste management efforts, particularly following the Binaliw incident. He warned that without a clear plan, Cebu City risks repeating past failures.
The council's resolution, initially calling for an immediate halt to SRP's use as a dumpsite, was softened to express ‘grave concern’ about continued garbage storage there. The council now demands a transition plan that ensures public safety and environmental protection.
Garganera emphasized the need to expand the city’s Solid Waste Management Task Force to include experts from various fields, including disaster management, environmental planning, and civil society.
The ongoing use of SRP for waste storage has drawn scrutiny from environmental regulators, who cite potential violations of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. The DENR has previously denied the city’s request to officially designate SRP as a temporary waste facility.
Vice Mayor Osmeña warned that the city could not sustain the financial burden of transporting waste to Aloguinsan. He revealed that hauling costs approximately P3,000 per ton, which translates to P1.8 million daily for 600 tons of waste.
Osmeña proposed a 60-day extension to explore alternative waste processing solutions, mentioning a P360-million loan approved for constructing a waste recovery facility in Barangay Mabolo.
However, Garganera cautioned against relying on temporary solutions that fail to address the larger waste crisis. He called for a comprehensive waste diversion strategy that emphasizes recycling and sustainable practices.
The urgency of this situation is underscored by the fact that even nations like Japan struggle with waste management despite advanced systems. Effective solutions require time and a commitment to sustainable practices.