Canadian water solutions firm offers technology to Cebu LGUs

CEBU, Philippines - A Canadian sewage and water solutions technology has offered its technology to the Local Government Units (LGUs) in Cebu to help the latter avail of the top-of-the-line infrastructure at a lesser cost.

The Ontario-based Clear Ford Industries Inc., is now starting to negotiate with several LGUs in Metro Cebu, starting with the Mandaue City and Cebu City local governments to offer its technology in sourcing water, and effective sewage collection system.

In an interview with Jill Lauren Hass, vice president for Engineering and chief technical officer (CTO) of Clear Ford Industries, she said that the company is now reaching out to developing cities not only in the Philippines but also in other parts of the world, to apply the Canadian water and sewage technology.

Hass, together with officers from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (CanCham) was in Cebu recently to start negotiations with LGUs, for the application of the water and sewage solutions.

She noticed that most of the cities in the Philippines, or Cebu City and Mandaue City in particular are still using “out-dated” technology for water sourcing and sewage system, which will incur large investment from the government’s coffer but offers low productivity result.

The new technology on the other hand, which the company is offering could cut the cost of water supply sourcing for the cities, as well as apply the right technology to have a good sewage system, thereby avoiding flooding, and other untoward incidents brought about by ineffective garbage collection or sewage system.

She further noticed that the urban cities in the Philippines, have yet to apply world-standard system, and this is needed in order to compete.

Hopefully, Hass said the company can start with a pilot project in Metro Cebu, and then offer the same technology to other cities around the country.

Clear Ford Industries Inc., is a 20-year old company established in Ontario, Canada, and now offering solutions to other countries like India, China, among others.

With low capital infusion, Hass said the technology is best applied in localities with limited budget for important infrastructure solutions.

Most importantly, this technology is best for water-scarce areas, just like Metro Cebu.

At this point, Clear Ford is still trying to negotiate initially with the two major cities in Metro Cebu—Cebu City and Mandaue City.

Hass is confident that with the pro-active stance of these two cities to become world-class players, and legitimate urban areas, local executives will be able to see the huge benefits that the technology will bring to the local economy.

She mentioned that Cebu, with its construction boom, and a flat City located in an island, should apply a serious stance in terms of water and sewage infrastructure, otherwise, the city may suffer from “urban decay’ if not given the proper solution this early. (FREEMAN)