To meet increasing demand: MCWD looking for own water sources

Due to the gridlock in its negotiation with Ayala consortium on the Carmen Bulk Water project, the Metropolitan Cebu Water District is now looking for its own water sources to meet the increasing demand for water in the metro.

Last year, the water district has been busy expanding its distribution system by laying more pipes in sitio Ipil-Ipil to Pedro Clavano Street in barangay Capitol Site and along Leon Kilat Street in Cebu City, and in several areas in Liloan town.

MCWD has also constructed two wells in Canduman, Mandaue City, which started operating late last year. It augmented water supply in the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue by producing at least 4,320 cubic meters of water a day.

Likewise, MCWD has also re-commissioned well MC-2 in Lahug, Cebu City after it was rehabilitated in October last year upon the recommendation of the Environment and Water Resources Department. The rehabilitation project costs over P1.760 million.

At present, MCWD is undertaking two more multi-million projects that would increase water supply in Cebu City.

On September 26 last year, the water district has started the improvement and commissioning of Well L-6 in barangay Apas, Cebu City. The project, which is undertaken by Duracon Construction and Development Corporation, will be completed by April 24.

As of February, the project, which costs more than P6 million, is 73 percent finished.

The Dakay Construction and Development Corporation is also undertaking the water district's pipelaying project along Buhisan Road and Quijada Street, Cebu City. Started last January 9 with the cost of P9.727 million, the project is expected to be finished on August 21.

Tertuliana Andaya, public affairs manager of MCWD, said they expect to serve more water consumers with these projects.

In fact, as part of the celebration of the World Water Day on March 22, she said they offered no down payment to consumers who apply for water connection.

A consumer who applies for water connection will usually pay not less than P1,500 as down payment.

During the observance of the World Water Day, MCWD also signed a manifesto to solicit the help of its consumers in addressing the water situation of Metro Cebu by reporting leaks, pilferages, wastage, and water losses to the water district.

The manifesto also asks the consumer's support to the Cebu City government's campaign to use recycled materials, plant more trees, report illegal logging, among others. - Wenna A. Berondo/LPM