Mariveles acts on waste disposal

MARIVELES, Bataan – Local officials here are working to address the waste disposal problem in this industrial town.

Mayor Jesse Concepcion revealed the city is waiting for the Memorandum of Agreement with the Metro Clark Waste Management for the contract to haul waste here.

Mayor Concepcion’s action came in the wake of a report made by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) which said that they had filed charges with the Ombudsman against 10 towns, including this one, in Central Luzon for violations of Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

According to EMB, also charged were Abucay in Bataan; Paombong and Hagonoy in Bulacan; Cuyapo, General Tinio, Jaen, Bongabon, and San Isidro in Nueva Ecija; and San Simon in Pampanga.

“Aside from filing charges, we have implemented the force closure of dumpsites in Mariveles, General Tinio, Jaen, and San Simon by securing the area to prevent further activities of dumping of wastes,” EMB Regional Director Lormelyn Claudio said.

“These 10 local government units were directed to comply with R.A.9003 down to the barangay level, ensure the operation of materials recovery facilities, and enact ordinances to compel residents to adhere to the law,” Claudio added.

But Concepcion said despite the absence of said dump site they are still addressing the town’s waste problem during his administration.

Metro Clark has a huge dumping site in Capas, Tarlac and is accredited for the hauling of waste by the local government units. (Mar T. Supnad)