Trucks carrying private waste to secure permit from Mandaue

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City Council has approved an ordinance regulating the transportation of private trucks carrying waste products in the city.

The ordinance on the issuance of the Environmental Transport Permit was approved on third and final reading after the Committee on Laws and Ordinance, chaired by Councilor Nenita Ceniza-Layese, recommended for its approval.

"The Committee recognizes the need for the City of Mandaue to monitor, regulate and penalize illegal private septage haulers desludging or dumping waste materials," the committee report reads.

The ordinance was authored by Councilor Ernie Manatad, chairman on Council Committee on Environmental Protection, who observed that some private septage haulers dislodge their waste materials at the Butuanon River.

After the approval of the ordinance on the third and final reading, the copy of the measure will be transmitted to Mayor Gabriel Luigi Quisumbing for his signature.

Layese said the ordinance will take effect within 15-days after complete publication.

With the approval of the ordinance, the owners and drivers of public and private vehicles "whether for profit or not operating, plying and driving their routes within the city...which shall carry and/or deliver any solid waste" shall register with Mandaue-CENRO before they operate.

Once registered at the MCENRO, the vehicles will be given a sticker and an identification card for the driver by the Treasurer's Office.

Section 5 of the proposed measure mandates the registration fee of P2,000 to cover the vehicle sticker and the ID and requirements for registration are business permit, a Department of Environment and Natural Resources permit and a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) or police clearance for the driver.  (FREEMAN)