SRP locators bewail stench from landfill

CEBU, Philippines - Several people and even locators of South Road Properties are already complaining of the foul smell coming from the Inayawan landfill.

 Cebu City Risk Reduction Management Council head Nagiel Bañacia admitted that the Command Control Center of the city has been flooded of complains from the companies at the SRP, which is situated across the landfill.

The recent complaint came from Licensed Environmental Planner Emmanuel Crucio, who is also a teacher at the University of Cebu Maritime Education and Training Center in Barangay Mambaling.

Located at least 2 kilometers away from the landfill, Crucio asked one of his Marine Environment classes with at least 32 students to wear protective masks during his class from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. because of the unpleasant smell.

"Wearing masks is the only way to be protected from air pollution caused by the Inayawan dumpsite's foul odor. The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides for a healthful ecology and the public must be protected from any environmental pollution," he posted on his Facebook account, which circulated on social media since Wednesday afternoon.

Crucio said he has no plans of filing complaint against the city government. But, he is hoping that opening up the concern to the public would get the attention of the city government.

"Baho gyod siya. Mura og patay or mura'g tae. Naay times nga grabe kaayo ang baho labi na kusog ang hangin, usahay naay udto pero usually mga hapon," he told reporters. 

He said there was a time that all students and teachers came out of their classrooms because of the stench of the landfill. Crucio, however, clarified that the foul odor has been there even before the city government reopened the landfill.

The landfill was closed by then mayor Michael Rama in January 2015 because it has already exceeded its life span. However, Mayor Tomas Osmeña ordered its reopening in June this year.

"Technically, wala man gyod siya gi-close kay open air baya. So, request sa city government to call for a meeting among stakeholders and other local government units to address the concern," Crucio said.

He said the foul odor would affect the health of the students, teachers, and the people surrounding the landfill.

Bañacia said the city has already created a task force to address the concern. The task force is composed of representatives of City Health Department, Department of Public Services, Department of Public Works and Engineering, and Quick Response Team.

"Ang purpose of creating the task force is to verify on the issue of smell. How does it affect the citizens especially sa Barangays Pardo, Inayawan and others," he said.

Bañacia said the report would be available two weeks from now.  The mayor also admitted having received reports about it.

"I know it's really bad. The anapog will help but the council is sitting on that," Osmeña said.

The executive department is asking P10 million to purchase limestone to establish a service road and to cover the garbage to prevent it from swelling.

Osmeña said he does not want to spend P20 million a month to pay the tipping fee in dumping garbage to Consolacion private landfill.

Councilor Joel Garganera said he will pass a resolution on Tuesday asking the executive department to close the landfill within 15 days.

He threatened to file a petition before the Court of Appeals to ask for a Writ of Kalikasan if Osmeña would continue operating the dumpsite.

According to Garganera, the landfill has violated the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Solid Waste Management Act.

"So what are we gonna do karon, this coming Tuesday, I'll probably deliver a privilege speech or I will file a reso immediate closure of the landfill but I'll give them 15 days to look for another alternative kung aha ilabay," he said.   (FREEMAN)