Achas files law requiring public to clean surroundings

COUNCILOR Christian Rustico Achas filed a proposed ordinance requiring all residential and commercial establishments within the territorial jurisdiction of Cagayan de Oro City to clean and maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of the sidewalk and immediate premises fronting their houses or establishments.

During the regular session presided Monday presided over by Presiding Officer Protempore Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas, Councilor Achas presented clips on environment issues that the city is currently encountering as it envisions to become the cleanest city of the country.

In his special report, the councilor pointed out that urban flooding and the increasing cases of dengue are common issues which are the results of improper waste disposal and living in a dirty environment.

He said the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB 10) stated that 72 barangays in the city are susceptible to flooding.

Councilor Achas said one of the main causes of flooding is the clogged drainage systems linked with poorly-managed waste disposal.

The councilor said based on an article of Dr. Franco C. Flores of Capitol University, one of the man-made factors of flooding is the canals, which are supposed to be the conveyance structures of waste liquids but are now used to carry or transport solid wastes. These wastes will form constrictions of the canal section, obstructing the flow of water, he said.

Councilor Achas recalled that in October 2021 the city received reports of flooding in Barangay Carmen and Tablon due to rising river levels.

“Our rivers and creeks overflowed which affected not less than 483 families and damage 24 houses. Dili nato malimod nga bisan pa gani gamay nga pag-ulan, ang atong syudad bahaon na dayon”, he stressed.

DENGUE CASES

Councilor Achas also expressed his concern over the increasing number of dengue cases in the city.

He said Dr. Jose Retuya, Jr., city’s epidemiologist, has urged barangays to hold extensive clean-up drives and “Barangay Dengue Brigades”, citing the 111-percent increase in dengue cases, based on the report of the City Health Office.

The city recorded a total of 692 dengue cases and 10 deaths from January to July 2022.

“With all the data discussed on which causes urban flooding, its impact on the livelihood and properties of our fellow Kagay-anons, and the threatening cases of dengue in the city, it is just timely to pass an ordinance”, he stressed.

The special report of Councilor Achas was referred to the joint committees on environment and on health and health insurance chaired by Councilors Roger G. Abaday and Maria Lourdes S. Gaane for appropriate action. (SP/JBDacer)