PUBLIC Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon is set to inspect the Navotas Sanitary Landfill again on Monday alongside national and local government officials to strengthen safety measures and prevent future incidents at the dumpsite.
The second round of inspections comes amid growing concerns about the landfill's condition and structural stability.
Dizon said the site visit aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the landfill’s current state, including its environmental impact, waste management systems, and overall safety compliance.
The DPWH chief emphasized the need for immediate and long-term solutions to ensure that nearby communities, workers, and the surrounding environment are protected from potential hazards.
Government engineers and technical experts are also expected to evaluate the landfill’s infrastructure, drainage systems, slope stability, and flood mitigation measures during the inspection.
Officials said the assessment will help determine whether urgent interventions are needed to avoid accidents, contamination, or possible structural failures within the facility.
Dizon said that the national government is committed to implementing permanent safeguards rather than temporary fixes, especially in critical public facilities that directly affect densely populated communities.
Local government officials in Navotas are likewise expected to coordinate closely with national agencies to strengthen monitoring and improve safety protocols at the landfill.
Environmental and disaster management authorities will also participate in the inspection to ensure that all concerns related to public health, waste disposal, and environmental protection are properly addressed.
The planned inspection is part of government efforts to tighten oversight of infrastructure and environmental risk areas across the country.
Residents living near the landfill have long raised concerns over the foul odor, flooding, and possible health risks, prompting calls for stronger preventive measures and stricter operational standards.
With the inspection, authorities expect to establish substantial, durable safeguards to minimize hazards, improve site management, and prevent future fires.
The Navotas landfill fire broke out on April 10. It has not yet been fully contained, though significant progress has been achieved.
Also, the DPWH is coordinating with international disaster response specialists, including members of the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) team, who have been tapped for their technical expertise in handling similar incidents abroad.
