City’s P130 million payables to landfill under review

CEBU, Philippines — Newly appointed Cebu City Administrator Briccio Joseph Boholst has started reviewing documents related to the city's P130-million outstanding obligations to PrimeWaste Solutions, the operator of the Binaliw sanitary landfill, to determine what corrective actions are needed.

"Gitan-aw sa atong bag-ong city administrator kung unsay need rectify sa mga documents nga P130 million nato nga accountability ngadto sa Prime Waste," said Kenneth Siasar, chief of staff of Mayor Nestor Archival.

Siasar, however, clarified that there have been no new developments in the negotiations between the Cebu City Government and PrimeWaste.

"Sa pagkakaron wala ta'y update in terms of the negotiation between Cebu City government and ang Prime Waste," Siasar said.

The issue involves the city's outstanding payables to PrimeWaste dating back to the previous administration.

The unsettled financial obligation remains a major concern in the city's waste management operations because the Binaliw landfill operator allegedly refuses to accept garbage from the city forcing the city government to haul its garbage to Aloguinsan.

Recently, the Cebu City Government convened a solid waste management summit to discuss strategies to reduce garbage generation at the barangay level and expand waste diversion programs.

"Naghimo ta og summit because atong gitan-aw nga naa na'y reduction of garbage production per barangay. Na dili ta magsalig muna lang sa atong landfill," Siasar said.

He said the city wants barangays to become more self-reliant in managing waste through segregation, recycling and other diversion measures.

"Kung makahimo ta nga mag-self-reliant ang matag barangay in terms of reducing the garbage, and then mag-self-reliant ang matag barangay in terms of diverting sa ilang garbage mas labing maayo," he added.

Beyond the PrimeWaste issue, city officials are also studying Cebu City's long-term waste disposal strategy, including whether to continue relying on its existing landfill system or pursue alternative disposal facilities.

"Atong solid waste management nga posibli ba nga kung makakuha ta og laing labayanan atong landfill or mo-continue na gihapon ta sa atong labayanan nato," Siasar said.

The city currently relies on a landfill in Aloguinsan for its waste disposal needs.

Siasar said proposals have been submitted to the Mayor's Office but described them as long-term solutions that cannot be implemented immediately.

He also confirmed that City Hall continues to evaluate a proposed waste-processing system earlier endorsed by Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

According to Siasar, Archival is assessing whether the project would be advantageous, efficient and effective for the city.

"Ongoing ang pag-dissect ana niya kung that is advantageous to the city and how efficient and effective is that kung atong i-implement," he said.

The project, estimated to cost between P350 million and P400 million, is envisioned for phased implementation. City officials are also exploring possible funding sources, including loans, while awaiting support from the City Council.

Siasar said suppliers may be invited to present their technologies before the council to help lawmakers assess available equipment and determine which options best meet the city's waste management needs. — /FPL (FREEMAN)