TOWNS in Iloilo are looking at developing clustered landfills to jointly address waste management through a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement with the operator of the Payatas dumpsite in Metro Manila. “We sought their expertise as they also operate in five areas in the country,” said Mayor Jett C. Rojas of Ajuy, president of the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines-Iloilo Chapter following a meeting of the group on June 30. Mr. Rojas said complying with solid waste management requirements under the law, particularly the construction of a sanitary landfill, remains a major problem for local government units due mainly to the cost. He said the proposed clustered landfills, initially two with no final locations yet, are intended to serve the entire Iloilo province, including Iloilo City. Under the PPP scheme, the firm will shoulder the construction cost while the government will donate the lot as counterpart. Mr. Rojas said a fee will be collected from households to pay for the transport of waste to the landfills. The proposal will be presented to Governor Arthur D. Defensor, Sr. and undergo review by the provincial council. — Louine Hope U. Conserva

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