Concerns among Clark Freeport locators are growing as the transition to Prime Waste Solutions (PWS) looms, with just days before Metro Clark Waste Management Corporation’s (MCWMC) contract expires. Several business groups have raised questions about PWS’s readiness, citing inconsistent communication and doubts over its capacity to handle the volume of waste generated by over 1,000 locators.
PhilExcel Business Park, with 220 tenants, voiced its frustration over the abrupt change. Many are asking why the new waste provider has not visited their facilities or provided guidelines for the transition. With only a week to adapt, the business community is under pressure to adjust to the new system, but skepticism persists.
At a recent town hall meeting, PWS Pampanga President Cara Peralta attempted to reassure stakeholders, stating that the company is equipped to handle the waste and will follow the procedures set by MCWMC. Despite these promises, the apprehensions linger, as Peralta’s responses have not been enough to quell fears.
More alarming, several locators have warned that failure to manage this transition smoothly could result in uncollected waste piling up within the Freeport, posing both health and environmental risks. A delay in services could disrupt operations, as many industries rely on timely waste removal to maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
Furthermore, there is growing fear that the new facility in Porac might lack the logistical infrastructure to handle the volume of waste, leading to waste diversion into makeshift dumpsites. If the facility cannot accommodate the waste, Clark locators fear they may be forced to manage their waste independently, a costly and complex endeavor that could severely impact business operations.
Adding to the tension, some locators have raised concerns about whether PWS has the legal and environmental clearances necessary to operate at full capacity. A failure to comply with environmental standards could result in penalties for locators who rely on the service, further aggravating an already precarious situation.
The ramifications of this transitional phase extend beyond immediate waste management issues. A failure in service delivery could tarnish the reputation of Clark Freeport as a business hub, driving away potential investors and damaging relationships with current tenants. The inability to ensure reliable waste disposal undermines the Freeport’s appeal as a clean and sustainable environment for businesses, potentially leading to long-term economic consequences.
Moreover, the stress of this transition is already affecting the morale of employees within these businesses. Concerns about waste accumulation and potential health hazards create an atmosphere of uncertainty and anxiety among staff, which can hinder productivity and innovation. As businesses grapple with these operational challenges, the risk of losing skilled talent to more stable environments becomes a pressing concern, further impacting the economic landscape of the region.
With the October 6 deadline fast approaching, the situation is turning into a ticking clock for Clark locators, who remain unconvinced that PWS can meet their needs on time.