Bayambang landfill may still be nixed by new mayor
BAYAMBANG–The controversial P250-million sanitary landfill project here will be shelved for good if the new town mayor will have his way.
Mayor Ricardo Camacho told local newsmen that he intends to keep his campaign promise to the townsfolk to block the implementation of the project, which had already been approved by the previous administration.
“If it’s exclusively for Bayambang, there is no problem with me. But if it will be used also by other municipalities, I am against it,” he said.
Camacho said he has already referred the implications of his stance with legal experts and asked the Sangguniang Bayan to review and draft possible amendments to the approved ordinance authorizing the project.
The sanitary landfill, to be located in a 33-hectare lot in Barangay Dusoc, will be undertaken and managed by Waste Integrated Network Systems, Inc. (WINS).
Under the terms of the approved contract, 12 towns in Pangasinan and in neighboring Tarlac will be allowed to unload their trash here with corresponding fees.
WINS has complied with the requirements for the construction of the project, including the conduct of public hearings which became controversial due to the strong opposition from Bayambang residents.
Meanwhile, Camacho said he will soon implement measures called for by provisions of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act under Republic Act 9003.
The law mandates local government units to convert open dumpsites to controlled dumpsite by 2004 and eventually establishing a sanitary landfill, supposedly by February 16, 2006.
Local government officials who fail to comply with and enforce the rules and regulations of the law may be charged administratively.
Camacho said he is planning to construct a material recovery facility as an alternative to the proposal of WINS.
He warned that the town’s anti-littering ordinance will also be strictly implemented beginning September, particularly in the public market area.
Waste segregation and overall cleanliness maintenance will also be put into effect. #
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