City-run pool’s water safe, says Ballesteros

CEBU, Philippines — As people flock to swimming pools amid the sweltering summer heat, an official yesterday assured that the water in the pool inside Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) is safe for users.

CCSC manager Ricky Ballesteros said the pool remains safe for swimming based on the daily samplings that are being done to determine the level of bacteria in the water.

Part of the maintenance works for the pool is its regular cleanup, in which workers use a vacuum to suction off dirt and particles from the water. Coliform in the water is also maintained at a healthy level because of the presence of chlorine.

But unlike the track and field, it is impossible, according to Ballesteros, to open the pool to the public for 24 hours a day because it has to undergo cleaning everyday.

“Naay uban mo-extend but we have to close it at 9 p.m. for the water treatment. Early morning, every day gyud na siya among kuhaon ang particles diha. Among cleanup kay among i-vacuum. So kintahay mag-24 hours ka diha, ang mga bacteria maglutaw-lutaw na diha and wala ta’y time to clean up,” Ballesteros told The FREEMAN.

Located between downtown and midtown Cebu City, the pool inside the sports center serves as an alternative and convenient place for city residents who do not have the means to pay or to travel to high-end resorts.

Entrance is P40 for adults and P20 for students who can present their school IDs. Pool hours run from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Ballesteros reminded pool users, especially those with sensitive skin, to shower before and after swimming to avoid contacting chlorine allergies.

He also encouraged users to wear the prescribed swimming attires.

Mactan illegal settlers

Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas is expected to finish this week its assessment of the establishments and structures on the coast of Mactan Island, which have been initially tagged as the culprit behind the high levels of coliform in the island’s waters.

About 15 DENR personnel are monitoring, doing inventory and investigation, said DENR-7 Gilbert Gonzales.

“We’re trying to finish it this week… They are only allowed before the easement zone. All structures beyond the easements have to be removed,” he said.

If found violating the law, notices of violation will be sent to concerned households and if such notices go unheeded, then the agency will resort to legal means, said Gonzales.

DENR-7 already issued notices of violation to 321 establishments on Panglao Island in Bohol that violated the easement rule.

Gonzales, however, said some local government units in Cebu, such as Moalboal and Oslob, have already responded to the call of cleaning up their respective coastlines. — Mary Kristine M. Cameros and Matthew Adonis P. Ardiente, CNU Comm Interns (FREEMAN)