Mandaue City has been forced to implement an emergency measure for its waste disposal, utilizing a portion of the Mandaue Green Learning Park (MLP) in Barangay Umapad as a temporary garbage transfer station. This action comes as the primary disposal site, the Barangay Binaliw landfill in neighboring Cebu City, remains closed with no immediate reopening in sight.
A Temporary Fix for a Pressing Problem
Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano clarified that the use of the park is strictly a short-term solution. The city is actively coordinating with barangay officials and waste haulers to manage the collection and transportation of garbage from this new, provisional location. The Binaliw landfill's closure has created a significant crisis, impacting not just Mandaue but four other local government units: Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Consolacion, and Cordova.
According to Mayor Ouano, the landfill may stay shut for a minimum of two to three weeks, with the possibility extending to several months. This prolonged closure has left the affected cities scrambling for viable alternatives to handle their daily waste output.
Challenges in Finding a Suitable Alternative
The search for a new disposal site has proven difficult. While other locations, such as areas in Bogo City and Aloguinsan, have been offered, the city government found them impractical. The major hurdles are distance and the condition of the city's garbage truck fleet.
"These areas are too far. Some of our dump trucks and garbage trucks are not in good condition, and sending them that far would significantly increase maintenance costs," Mayor Ouano explained. This economic and logistical reality has limited the city's options, leading to the emergency use of the Green Learning Park.
Commitment to Preservation and Public Appeal
Mayor Ouano strongly emphasized the temporary nature of this setup. He stated the city intends to use the park as a transfer station for only about two weeks. The goal is to preserve the integrity of the park and prevent long-term environmental damage from waste accumulation in the area.
"After that, we really need to find another alternative because we want to preserve the park, and I do not want garbage being dumped there for a long time," the mayor stressed. He acknowledged that garbage collection schedules have been disrupted, with barangays now limited to one trip per day instead of the previous two or three to Binaliw due to time constraints.
Ouano appealed for public understanding, noting that the situation is abnormal and may lead to delays in garbage pickup. He assured residents that daily collection efforts continue and that the city government is persistently exploring all feasible alternatives for a more permanent and sustainable waste disposal solution.
