Manila rents out 20 more dump trucks to collect garbage

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has ordered the renting of 20 additional dump trucks to collect garbage that has filed up in the city since the massive flooding last week.

Speaking to reporters, Lim said he has directed Manila City Hall’s Department of Public Services chief, retired Colonel Carlos Baltazar, to rent out more dump trucks to immediately collect piled up trash.

“I already directed Colonel Baltazar to order extra trucks yesterday because our trucks weren’t able to collect for three days. But I cannot blame them because the trucks can’t really go,” he said, adding that this resulted to people opting to leave their trash along the streets.

Baltazar earlier noted that the volume of garbage brought about by the recent strong rains and floods has gone up “five times compared to the already voluminous trash collected during typhoon Ondoy in 2009.

“On a daily basis, at least 1,900 tons or garbage are collected during normal weather. During storm-related calamities, the volume increases five-fold and includes water-damaged appliances and furniture,” he said.

From Manila Bay alone in Roxas Boulevard, Lim said over 200 trucks have already been filled up with trash since the local government started the clean-up drive along the bay area.

But while the local government is working on the immediate clearing of uncollected trash, Lim appealed to all Manila residents to extend their cooperation to speed up the city government’s efforts.

The mayor said village chairpersons may also do their share of cooperation via information dissemination on proper garbage disposal and telling their constituents to place all garbage in one designated area so that collection may be easier.

“Mas mahirap ang sitwasyon ngayon dahil pati kama, linoleum, carpet, computer, silya, sofa kasama na sa mga basurang kinokolekta araw-araw,” he said.