Pier 3 area yields tons of garbage

CEBU, Philippines — At least 10 metric tons of garbage were recovered from under the reinforced bridge and road at Pier 3 in Cebu City.

Because of its five contributory areas – Lahug, T. Padilla, Tejero, Day-as, and Colon –  huge amount of garbage would usually go down to the surrounding areas of Pier 3.

Earlier, at least three dump trucks of waste materials were also taken out of Lahug River, mainly at the Tejero Bridge.

Cebu City’s consultant on flooding and the environment as a whole, former Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu ordered the demolition of a concrete wall around the area in order for the clearing team to be able to go underneath it.

Because of the danger, it took some time to clear the entire area.

Aside from the area, Pier 2 also has a similar situation.

Meanwhile, the Department of Engineering and Public Works also continues to undertake declogging and desilting in some areas around the city.

In its declogging at A.Bonifacio Street in barangay Pari-an, the team was able to collect at least 52 sacks of garbage and silt.

Earlier, at least 48 sacks of waste materials were also recovered in sitio Soquite and 45 sacks in F. Villa Street both in T.Padilla, and 50 sacks at the Sikatuna Creek, among others.

Cimatu had suggested that while the recovery of three-meter easement and revival of rivers are still ongoing, declogging and desilting should be done to help mitigate flooding in the city. — LPM (FREEMAN)