MGB steps up watch on sand, gravel transport

PALO, Leyte, Jan. 26 (PNA) -– The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has intensified the monitoring of sand and gravel transport in Tacloban City and nearby towns after receiving reports that haulers have been transporting materials without complete documents.

MGB Regional Director Nonita S. Caguioa said they revived their apprehension drive in partnership with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in response to numerous complaints on destructive quarrying activities and illegal transport of sand and gravel.

“Construction firms are taking advantage of the very high demand for sand and gravel due to massive reconstruction activities after super typhoon Yolanda,” Caguioa said.

The official recalled that there was one day last week that they’re able to apprehend 17 dump trucks without complete transport documents.

“Most have legal source, but haulers could not show a delivery receipt. Some have documents, but information is not complete. This is a manifestation that they want to evade paying taxes,” the official said.

The government lost a lot of money if haulers don’t have delivery receipts, according to her.

Based on the provincial ordinance of Leyte, a hauler has to pay PHP40 per cubic meter of transported sand and gravel or PHP400 for an average size of truck that carries 10 cubic meters.

About 40 percent of the revenue goes to the source village, 30 percent to the town, and 30 percent to the province.

“Any movement of sand and gravel from one place to another place needs legal document. Our apprehension activity intends to help these construction firms and haulers legalize all aspects of their business so that the government will benefit. We have to put things in order,” Caguioa added. (PNA)

FFC/SQM