Klarex: IPM needs Clenro nod to join bidding

DESPITE their ongoing problems in collecting the city’s garbage, the company contracted by the city can still join the public bidding provided they meet City Hall’s requirements, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy said.

“The current contractor (IPM Waste CDO) still has a contract with the city that they need to fulfill by Jan. 31. We don’t know why they were unable to collect the garbage in the past few weeks but let’s find solutions instead of focusing our energies on blaming them…there are problems (with their performance) but overall it had been adequate in the past few years,” Mayor Uy told reporters.

Mayor Uy said this as he reaffirmed his administration’s plans to pursue public bidding on the city’s garbage collection services anytime soon.

“I cannot say for certain whether or not (IPM) can still be rehired because it will undergo public bidding and it will also depend on the recommendation of the (City Local Environment Natural Resources Office),” Mayor Uy said in Visayan.

Earlier Clenro chief Engr. Armen Cuenca explained that internal problems experienced by IPM Waste CDO contributed to the current garbage collection problem.

Cuenca and Councilor Roger Abaday, who chairs the 20th City Council’s environment committee, voiced support for City Hall finding another contractor with Cuenca saying it would be preferable if the contractor is based here in the city.

“If (IPM Waste CDO) failed to meet the conditions of the contract, that will be the reason (for their disqualification),” Mayor Uy said.

In the meantime, Mayor Uy said the company is still contractually obligated to collect the city’s garbage until Jan. 31 adding that it would be better for the city to hire contractors rather than let City Hall handle the garbage collection.

“If we return the city’s garbage collection to City Hall, first we will find it difficult to pay all those employees. Based on what I saw the operational costs and maintenance of the vehicles — the current contractor employs at least 60 trucks — would be prohibitive for the city. That doesn’t include providing additional vehicles in case one of them breaks down,” Mayor Uy said in Visayan. (Stephen Capillas of City Information Office)