Garbage problems worsen due to undisciplined people

THE OFFICE of the City Environment and Natural Resources has called on residents anew to dispose of their garbage properly and on time so as not to accumulate trash on designated areas.

 A man sifts through a pile of trash inside a garbage container in Zamboanga City. (Image: Al Jacinto)

OCENR chief Engr. Rey Gonzales said residents must instill discipline and cooperation in disposing their trash, stressing that it is everybody’s shared responsibility. 

Gerry Polisco, head of OCENR’s Solid Waste Management Division, also said many residents have either failed or ignored to comply with the schedule of garbage collection as mandated by law. Residents should bring out their garbage at least 15 minutes before 8 a.m. before the arrival of garbage trucks. 

“Unfortunately, in reality this is not seriously followed, resulting in uncollected garbage on the streets,” Polisco said. 

Garbage pickers in Barangay Lumbangan. (Image: Al Jacinto)

Mayor Beng Climaco also has appealed repeatedly to residents to help the local government in the campaign to keep Zamboanga City clean and maintain discipline and be partners in progress and development.

Climaco, who regularly went around inspecting different areas, noticed how people just threw away their trash on the streets and some even urinated on public walls and corners.

And these problems were being used by some people in demonizing the public by spreading fake news, false information and even disinformation campaigns and hatred while playing deaf and blind to the efforts of the local government in maintaining cleanliness and discipline among residents.

Climaco said the local government can only do so much in as far as keeping Zamboanga clean with the cooperation of the people without complaining and comparing it with other cities.

“We love to complain. We love to compare, but what do we contribute? That is my challenge to the people. Contribute positively, the City of Zamboanga will only be successful if we contribute positively to our personal discipline,” she said.

The mayor said the public in general should also do their share to ensure the cleanliness of the city. “No mas buta basura areredor,” she said, stressing that the City Government has provided dozens of garbage trucks and employed trash collectors, but public cooperation is still needed to ensure cleanliness and discipline among residents. 

But many garbage collectors are also wasting a lot of time because they first sort out papers and metals and other trash which can be sold instead of religiously doing their jobs. (Zamboanga Post)