• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The city government of Bacolod is set to prepare a proposed budget of P66 million for the construction of Cell No. 5 at the sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa.
The funding, based on the proposal from the Technical Working Group, is being prioritized as officials recognize that Cell No. 4 is quickly filling up, threatening to reach its capacity before its estimated productive lifespan.
Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee Chair on Environment and Natural Resources, Councilor Homer Bais, confirmed that the city’s Budget Office has already identified the funding source for the P66 million.
The new Cell No. 5 is planned to be significantly larger than its predecessor, covering 2 hectares compared to 1.3 hectares of Cell No. 4.
Bais stressed that securing the P66 million, and prompt start of construction of the new cell is vital to prevent a garbage crisis if Cell No. 4 is prematurely filled.
The councilor said that the budget will pass through the City Development Council, then Sangguniang Panlungsod, and once approved, a bidding can be held.
He added that the construction of Cell No. 5 will at least take 4 to 5 months, depending on the contractor.*
