Smoke emits at Oro dumpsite

RESIDENTS living near the dumpsite in Zayas, Barangay Carmen are complaining about the thick smoke that emits from the piles of garbage at the landfill, especially in the afternoon.

Natividad Adobas, 61, said they were particularly disturbed by the thick smoke coming from the dumpsite last week, which she said might have caused by cigarette butts being thrown into the garbage.

Adobas said the smoke only stopped because of the rain.

“This is hazardous to our health, especially to the children and older people. Most of those who complained are in the middle class or those who are still not immune to the environment,” she said.

The afternoon smoke reportedly reached some high-end subdivisions near the dumpsite, such as the Golden Village.

Rene Tagontagon, a scavenger at the landfill, said the afternoon smoke is just normal but stops when there is rain.

Nene Padla, chief of Solid Waste Management Division of the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) who manages the city dumpsite, confirmed the occurrence of the afternoon smoke that affects nearby areas, including those residing at Golden Village.

Padla said the smoke is due to the natural heat emitted by the garbage.

“A very thick smoke occurred on January 22. But we have already tapped the city’s firefighters and other volunteer groups to help eliminate the smoke. As of now, minimal na,” she said.

Padla said they are very vigilant on any possible occurrence of fire at the landfill.

She added they are also strictly monitoring all scavengers in the area.

“We are asking for your patience because we are doing our best to protect the people and the environment,” Padla said.