City to seek guidance from DENR on dumpsite closure
BACOLOD CITY -- Bacolod Clean and Green Coordinating Action Team chaired by Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Greg Gasataya announced yesterday that the technical team from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office VI will be here on July 23 - 24, 2008 to meet with some local and provincial officials regarding the closure of the existing dumpsite.
"DENR had responded to our request, together with the province to conduct a workshop on how to prepare a closure and rehabilitation plan of the existing or old dumpsite in compliance with Republic Act 9003," Gasataya said.
Gasataya said that the City had a limited time to comply with said law and hence they are seeking the guidance of DENR for the establishment of solid waste management facilities. Gasataya added that the workshop to be conducted this week by DENR Technical Team will be attended by City Engineer Teresita Guadalupe, City Environment Officer Max Sillo and some members from Clean and Green Coordinating Action Team.
Gasataya is very optimistic that immediately after this meeting; the city will be guided on the requirements set by DENR for the compliance of Republic Act 9003 or Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
Earlier, Gasataya said, that the city needs seperate funds for the closure of existing dumpsite in Purok Tonggoy, Brgy. Mandalagan previously utilized by the administration of Former Mayor Luzviminda Valdez and the existing dumpsite in Hda. Lopez, Brgy. Felisa, Bacolod City. Gasataya is now preparing his request for a supplemental budget for the closure of said dumpsites.
A week ago, the Sangguniang Panlungsod ratified a deed of conditional sale signed by the Mayor for the purchase of the P23 million property which will be established as the new dumpsite. The new dumpsite will be situated in Brgy. Felisa, adjacent to the existing dumpsite.
The existing dumpsite which will be closed soon is also owned by Esther Lopez of Dynasty Agricultural Corporation. The use and utilization of the property as dumpsite by the City Government is free of charge.