BACOLOD City – The city government will take what it deems a necessary risk to address the water crisis.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez admitted yesterday, March 7, that the dry spell exacerbated the city’s water problem. Supply from existing water sources has decreased by 12 percent, or 15 million liters per day (MLD), he said.
As an immediate response to the residents’ water needs for household use, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has coordinated with the Bureau of Fire and Protection for supply distribution to villages experiencing shortages.
Recognizing that this is a short-term solution, Benitez called a follow-up meeting yesterday with key stakeholders from the city government and representatives from Bacolod City Water District and Prime Water Infrastructure Inc.
Two alternative water sources identified during the meeting are Matab-ang River, which is expected to provide 20 MLD, and Bocal-Bocal Spring, which could produce five MLD.
The team unanimously agreed to promptly commence tapping Bocal-Bocal Spring, and initial work, including pipe fusion and subsequent pipelaying, is set to begin today, March 8.
The caveat, according to Benitez, is to secure water rights from the National Water Rights Board (NWRB).
The city government has yet to secure the permit, but Benitez said he will make a call with the NWRB.
“Risgohan ko ang permit, bahala na,” the mayor claimed. “Kwaon ko lang ang tubig, bahala na.”
To fast-track the implementation, the city will allocate about P30 to P50 million to be used for the construction of lines connecting the water sources to the water facility pipelines.
“Ginatapos na lang ang technical studies para maka-start sang construction,” Benitez said./PN
