Firm wraps up study on Inayawan landfill

The Mott MacDonald, a European-based consultancy firm hired by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is expected to re-evaluate the submitted proposals of various companies for the establishment of a waste to energy (WTE) facility at the controversial landfil

The result of their study, which will end next week, will be used as basis in choosing the most qualified proponent of the project.

The said firm has assessed the current situation of the controversial landfill in Barangay Inayawan for the establishment of a WTE facility that would process the city's generated trash.

Earlier, the ADB has set aside P40 million for the study of Mott MacDonald. Katherine Stacey heads the team. Joining her are members Luca Forlani, Ho Kok Yong, Toby Nugent, Pamela Chan and Jose Sta. Ana.

The reviewed economic, technical, consultants the broad

legal, social and environmental parameters of the project.

These include assessing how best to provide solid waste management (SWM) services to the city, prepare estimates of the optimal capacity of the project's various SWM facilities, estimates of capital expenditure required, estimates of associated revenues and operating costs, among others.

Incoming Cebu City Environment and Natural Resource Office head, Nida Cabrera, told The FREEMAN that the said consultancy firm is expected to consolidate their data about the study.

With this, the city government can set conditions which will be stipulated in the terms of reference (TOR) in acquiring possible proponent for the WTE facility.

"Next week expected mahuman ilahang study. With that maka-draft nata og TOR for the waste to energy facility," Cabrera said.

After Mott MacDonald submits its report, CCENRO, along with the Solid Waste Management Board, can re-evaluate the proposal submitted by the interested companies.

Among the private firms that submitted proposals to the city are Best Trade Company, Metro Pacific of Pangilinan Group, New Sky, NECO, JFA from Yokohama and Western Power, and others.

Days from now, the ADB is expected to submit its proposal as to how much they are asking for the city government for charging fee.

"After sila makasubmit sa proposal, isubmit nato sa council for approval authorizing the mayor to sign a contract with them," Cabrera said.

She said ADB would help the city government in choosing who will be the qualified proponent of WTE facility.

In his press conference, Mayor Tomas Osmeña said a consultant of ADB will lead the evaluation of the proposals submitted by various firms.

He said it is good for the city government that ADB will facilitate the evaluation for being knowledgeable of such project.

"The ones who are evaluating are the consultants from ADB…ADB will evaluate, interpret for us which one is good," Osmeña said.

The establishment of WTE facility at the controversial landfill was part of the rehabilitation measures of the city government.

Since the landfill was shut down on December 15, 2016, the Court of Appeals has directed the city government, with the supervision of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to rehabilitate the dumping site. —