The Bacolod City government has imposed a P1,068,000 fine on IPM Construction and Development Corporation July 30, for violations of its P303-million collection/hauling and disposal of garbage contract with the city.
These violations were detailed in a public hearing July 29. City Legal Officer, Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu, said key infractions included IPM’s failure to provide the promised shredders for the city’s three major public markets, which is a crucial component for reducing non-biodegradable waste, and restricted access to the GPS tracking system.
“We should ensure IPM’s compliance with the agreement entered into with the city,” Chiu said in a city press release July 31, as he stressed the need for proactive waste management strategies.
He also highlighted the critical nature of the GPS system, noting that full access remains restricted despite repeated requests.
The IPM management declined to comment on the fine imposed, but its officials are set to attend a conference with the CLO today, Aug. 1.
The fine reflects escalating concerns regarding IPM’s performance as the city’s garbage hauler.
Mayor Greg Gasataya earlier urged the company to improve its garbage collection route plan, and warned that the contractor must “shape up or ship out”.
Councilor Homer Bais, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Environment and Ecology, noted a decline in IPM’s daily garbage collection output, from 400 tons to 350 tons over the past few months.
“We want more transparency in their operations, which the city has the right to invoke,” he added as he plans to submit a comprehensive committee report outlining his findings and recommendations.
Bais, in a privilege speech July 16, noted that the flashflood that submerged many houses early this month was mainly due to “clogged drainage systems filled with uncollected garbage and plastic waste”, and pointed to IPM’s lapses in its contract.
IPM won the P303-million collection/hauling and disposal of garbage contract that started February and will end on Dec. 31 this year. ||
