THE Office of the Zamboanga City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) is laying the foundations for the implementation of Ordinance 2016-176, an ordinance establishing the integrated solid waste management system of Zamboanga City.
City Hall Information Officer Belen Sheila Covarubias said the OCENR, from September to the end of this year, will be conducting a series of information drives and meetings in the 98 villages and stakeholders to iron out procedures and policies in preparation for the implementation of the provisions highlighted in the ordinance.
The Ordinance, which was approved July 7, 2016, contains, among others, provisions on mandatory segregation of solid waste in residential, institutional, agricultural, and commercial establishments, deputation of village and law enforcers for the issuance of citation tickets for violations, and the imposition of a garbage fee for business establishments and residential units.
Covarrubias said the Ordinance also seeks to form a village ecological solid waste management committee, to be helmed by village officials and other stakeholders to formulate a community solid waste management program that is consistent with the framework of the Zamboanga City Solid Waste Management Plan.