Government urged: Invest in water dams

CEBU, Philippines — A Cebu-based water management firm is urging the government to invest in water dams and or gabions to utilize surface water runoffs to address the worsening water crisis in Metro Cebu.

Engineer Antonio Tompar, president and chief executive officer of Mactan Rock Industries Inc., said this is the long-term solution to the worsening water crisis which the government can do better instead of spending money for more road concreting.

During the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza yesterday, Tompar presented how the company developed the concept of consuming surface water as alternate source during wet or rainy season which is already applied in some of their water system plants.

“With the use of their technology and long years of experience plus the active participation of the government, we can also realize the same concept here in Cebu,” Tompar said.

He added that through the establishment of water dams and or gabions, surface water runoffs which is the primary cause of flood in low-lying areas can now be diverted and utilize for a much greater purpose of providing clean and affordable water for all Cebuanos.

Tompar said Cebu is blessed with so many catchment areas where rainfall naturally flows into the river, lake or reservoir.

“This God-given water resources is a very good source of sustainable water that can be converted into potable water supply. If this is developed, this can greatly help address the worsening water crisis and provide water price stability for the people of Cebu,” said Tompar.

He is also urging government officials to unite in this time of water crisis particularly in Metro Cebu.

“Politics should do more infrastructures in water,” Tompar said.

During the same forum yesterday, Charmaine Rodriguez-Kara, spokesperson of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District, said if they continue maximizing the Jaclupan Dam, the worst will come during the dry season.

Kara said that Jaclupan Dam production, which relies on the Mananga River, is also fluctuating.

“If we continue maximizing Jaclupan Dam, wa nata magamit sa summer,” she said.

Kara also emphasized that while rainy season is already here, the withdrawal of ground water is also more than the rainfall.

Tompar suggested the use of surface and brackish water to replenish local supply. He also urged Cebuanos to stop throwing garbage and other pollutants into the rivers so these could be used as a potable water source.

He added that in the long term, Cebu has to consider use of a mixed supply of desalination and surface water to address the Metro Cebu’s growing supply problem. (FREEMAN)