MCWD urged to consider water supply, sanitation plan

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Council has urged the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) and the City Planning Office to note and consider the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan (PWSSMP) to ensure achieving the goal of providing universal access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation to Filipinos by 2030.

The council approved a resolution on the matter sponsored by Councilor Raul Alcoseba.

“This representation is of the opinion that Cebu City Government and MCWD need to align with the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan (PWSSMP) in order to achieve its goal of providing universal access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation to Filipinos by 2030,” said Alcoseba.

Last Sept. 16, 2021, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) virtually launched the PWSSMP, a 99-page document which can be downloaded through the link: https://neda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/9/16-September-2021-PWSSMP-Abridged-Version.pdf.

NEDA sees the need of establishing effective water supply and sanitation (WSS) sector institutions and strengthening the regulatory environment to address the future increase in water consumption and address gaps in sanitation services.

It was emphasized that integrated interventions from the local and national government, and stakeholders are crucial to achieve the goal of providing universal access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation to Filipinos by 2030.

To accomplish this goal, the master plan focuses on eight key reform agenda, which include establishing effective water supply and sanitation sector institutions; strengthening the regulatory environment; creating and ensuring effective water supply and sanitation services; and balancing water supply and demand.

Also included are building climate resiliency; enabling access to financing; managing data and information to determine baseline and gaps of investments; and driving research and development in the sector.  —  FPL (FREEMAN)