The Department of Public Services (DPS) in Cebu City has assured the public that the accumulated garbage at the South Road Properties (SRP) will be cleared by March 15, 2026. This decisive action comes in response to mounting complaints from local establishments about severe foul odors that are negatively affecting tourism and business operations in the area.
Addressing Business Concerns and Tourism Impact
In a recent radio interview with Brigada Cebu, DPS head Paul Gelasque acknowledged the growing concerns of restaurant owners and other businesses at SRP, particularly those reliant on tourism and outdoor dining. He emphasized that the city government is actively working to resolve the issue, with plans to establish a temporary transfer station at White Road in Barangay Inayawan. This site will serve as an interim solution once the service provider finalizes its contract with the landowner.
Open Letter from Business Owners Sparks Action
Previously, numerous restaurant owners submitted an open letter to Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. and members of the City Council, urgently calling for immediate action to address the garbage situation near the SRP baywalk. Business owners reported that the pungent smell from the waste has started to disrupt their operations and diminish the customer experience for visitors to the location.
Many customers visit the SRP baywalk to enjoy scenic views and fresh air, but the overwhelming odor has deterred them from staying longer or returning. Gelasque recognized the distress faced by these establishments but noted that the city government is currently grappling with a broader garbage crisis. He explained that the odor is not constant but often emerges during nighttime hauling operations.
Immediate Measures and Long-Term Plans
To mitigate the issue in the short term, the DPS has implemented measures such as spraying deodorizers to reduce the smell while the garbage remains at SRP. However, Gelasque highlighted that the city's options are limited following Asian Energy in Polog, Consolacion's decision to stop accepting waste from Cebu City.
Gelasque revealed that Mayor Archival has set a strict deadline for him to remove the garbage from SRP. Once the waste is fully loaded and cleared, the city government plans to cease using SRP as a temporary storage site. Instead, garbage from various barangays will be transported to the transfer station at White Road, Inayawan.
He clarified that this station is not a landfill but merely a temporary holding area where waste will be consolidated before being sent to final disposal facilities. This step is part of a broader strategy to manage the city's waste more effectively and restore the appeal of SRP as a key tourism and business hub.
