Ex-Sogod VM hits ‘delay’ in water system inquiry

Former Sogod vice mayor Dean Dosado yesterday expressed disappointment at the Office of the Ombudsman for the delay in resolving the controversy that has been hounding the Sogod Waterworks System for two years now.

The anti-graft office took cognizance over the issue when the group of Dosado questioned the P30-million loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines for the construction of the waterworks system.

They also questioned the findings of Environmental Management Bureau of Department of Environment and Natural Resources last December 2006 that coliform contamination reportedly existed in the system.

“Ambot dugay na man kaayo wa pa man gihapon ma-resolve sa Ombudsman. Daghan pa kaayo angayan i-resolve ani ilabi na sa nagamit nga loan nga P30 million. Unya wa pa gyud magamit sa katawhan kun maghisgot ug potability sa waterworks system,” Dosado said.

On February 16, 2007, Department of Health 7 Director Susana Madarieta sent Dosado and fellow complainants Francisco Comahig and Dominico Moneva, its report, which stated alleged deficiencies in the waterworks system.

DOH noted that there is a need to improve the condition inside the spring box where unnecessary materials and biological growth were observed. The large gap of the sump tank also reportedly allows easy passage of insects, rodents, and small animals that will potentially contaminate the water inside it.

DOH also noted that the distribution pipes submerged and buried under the river bed, considering that many take a dip therein during picnics. The bathing area is reportedly just 100 meters from the submerged distribution pipes.

Dosado said that despite the notice of discrepancies by DOH, the current administration in Sogod still allegedly failed to address the problem, especially the question on whether or not the water that comes from the waterworks system is indeed potable.

“Sa pagkakaron, wala pa gyud magamit ug dili pa gyud potable ang tubig. Gigamit ra gihapon ni sa paghugas ug paglimpyo. Nawagtang ang purpose niini nga mainom kini sa katawhan. Alkansi ang goberno niini,” Dosado said.

DOH has recommended that the town should conduct regular cleaning and disinfection of the spring box, sump tank and reservoir with chlorine solutions at 50-100 ppm per dosage.

DOH further recommended to seal the sump tank and to replace the overflow outlet with pipes that can accommodate the maximum volume of overflow. Likewise, DOH recommended to relocate the pipes submerged in the river. — Ramil V. Ayuman/JMO