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BY JULIO P. YAP JR.
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Wednesday, October 25, 2017
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THE LACK of water supply can severely hamper the development of a community, particularly those in the remote areas of the country.
Supplying the water needs of those in the countryside through the use of conventional water systems, especially electrical or motor driven, could be very expensive and require a huge amount of budget.
But by tapping renewable energy, particularly solar power, we could extract water from available sources to provide the demands of areas that most need a steady source of water.
One clear example is the solar-powered water supply system that has been operational in Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
The project is expected to improve the lives of the local residents, as well as boost their agricultural productivity.
The facility, which is composed of a solar-powered submersible pump system that is energized by 30 solar panels, can generate enough water to supply the requirements of about 200 households or at least 1,000 individuals in Barangay Oringao.
The project, under the Bottom-up-Budgeting, is funded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, with a counterpart funding provided the local government unit of Kabankalan.
It is covered by the SALINTUBIG or the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Sa Lahat Program, in collaboration with the National Anti-Poverty Commission.
It was implemented by the Kabankalan city government and constructed by RU Foundry and Machine Shop Corporation (RUFMSC) of Bacolod City.
With the project, the local residents will no longer have to endure walking through a treacherous path just to fetch water or dig for wells to get water.
The water project was conceptualized way back in 2014 but was only implemented in 2016, and eventually completed in 2017 through the technology of RUFMSC which was seen feasible and economical by harnessing solar power.
Aside from providing potable water supply, the facility is expected to propel the livelihood opportunities in the barangay.
Kabankalan City mayor Isidro Zayco said the water facility, which is environment-friendly and cost saving, will spur development in Barangay Oringao, saying that water is a vital necessity and an important factor for the growth of the community.
The Oringao water facility, which is composed mainly of solar panels, submersible pump installed in a spring box, two reservoirs with a capacity of 30,000 liters each, a pressure break tank, and 15 tap stands, can now provide water for the local residents.
The facility is capable of pumping at least 60,000 liters per day, up to its maximum of 77,760 liters – more than enough to supply the water needs of the residents, as well as providing water for maintaining their backyard industries.
The construction of the solar-powered water facility is one of the efforts of RU Foundry and Machine Shop Corporation towards the protection and conservation of the environment and safety of the people and other living organisms.
Environment-friendly facilities like the Oringao solar pump water system project will make the communities a better place to live, at the same time, help the residents to become productive and self-reliant. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)
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