To address flooding: Radaza eyes plastic ban in city

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza is also eyeing the banning of plastics in the city as a way to prevent flooding in the future.

If approved following a public consultation, Radaza wants the plastic ban implemented twice a week, or every Friday and Saturday.

"We don't have to see it nga mobara na ug mag-flood. Usa pa, atong gitan-aw na lang daan ang future," Radaza said during a recent press conference.

Early this month, Mayor Luigi Quisumbing of Mandaue City adjacent to Lapu-Lapu City, has called for the strict banning of plastics in the city after experiencing immense flooding during the heavy rains in the past weeks.

Radaza said that when plastics are not properly thrown or disposed in garbage cans, these will flow along the pavement during rains and cause drainage facilities to clog up.

The clogged drainage will then result to flooding, she added.

 "There was already a suggestion and there was already a proposal from Councilor Ricardo Amores. There are certain days in a week, two days in a week," Radaza said.

She said the plan will first undergo public consultation.

The use of non-plastic containers and recyclable bags, among others, will be soon raised during the city government's encounter with the public.

"Magda na mo'g basket. Magda g'yud tupperware kung isda kay di ba kaniadto mag-basket man. Wa ma'y plastic," the mayor said.

Schedule for the public consultation on the proposed plastic ban is yet to be discussed.  (FREEMAN)