BAGUIO CITY – The city government disclosed there is no sufficient data on the volume of discharge along the Galiano-Asin River to ascertain the technology that is appropriate for the proposed establishment of a multi-million sewerage treatment plant along the said river system.
Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong said the City Government has not yet determined the area to be used in the put up of the additional sewerage treatment plant as studies are still being done to ascertain the volume of discharge of waste water along the river for the determination of the technology for the proposed sewerage treatment plant.
He added the Galiano-Asin River is one of the most polluted river systems in the city second to the most polluted river which is the Balili River and the Bued River.
The city chief executive made the revelation in response to a petition of the concerned residents of Lower Rock Quarry, Middle Rock Quarry, Lourdes Extension and City Camp Central Barangays expressing their opposition to the proposed sewerage and septage facility of the city to be located in their barangay.
Among the reasons raised by these oppositors include the alleged displacement of hundreds of residents within the said barangays; lack of consultation done by the city with the affected residents; alleged displacement in the proposed project site and irreparable injury and damages to existing properties and the right of the property owners; the endorsement of the 15 punong barangays to the proposed project was anchored on the fact that it will only cover 6,000 square meters and not 11,055 square meters as reflected in the sketch and special plan of the city government and the negative effects of the facility to the health of the residents living within the vicinity of the project.
According to the petition of the affected residents, most of the people living within the area to be affected by the proposed sewerage and septage plant project have established residences in the proposed site for over 30 years with some having acquired the appropriate titles for their properties.
Earlier, the 15 punong barangays in the affected area passed a resolution inquiring and requesting an explanation and clarification of the Local Land Needs Identification Committee by the city government on the coverage of the project which correctly stated that there are existing residential houses and properties in the proposed site.
The City Government previously identified more than 3 hectares in the City Camp and Lower Rock Quarry area for city land needs considering the rapidly increasing need of the city for spaces to establish the needed facilities that will enhance the delivery of basic services.
The proposed sewerage and septage treatment facility will contribute in cleaning the waste water discharged in the major river systems in the city as the city is contributing to the worsening water pollution in most of the waterways that originate from the different parts of the city.
By Dexter A. See
