Malirong River tapped as new source for Leyte

published December 15, 2009 in BusinessWorld

TACLOBAN CITY -- The Local Water Utilities Authority (LWUA) plans to tap Malirong River in Palo town, Leyte as a new source of potable water for the province, Presidential Assistant for Eastern Visayas Cynthia R. Nierras said in an interview here late last week.

"The team from LWUA is ready to present the proposal next [this] week. They [sic] will discuss with the Leyte Metropolitan Water District (LMWD) about the investment required, cost sharing and technical aspects of the project," Ms. Nierras said.

He added that the contract to tap the river will be subjected to bidding.

Under an existing plan, a new filtration plant will be built at the state-run Government Center in Palo in order to save on cost, Ms. Nierras said.

LMWD General Manager Nestor Villasin earlier said at least P1 billion is needed to improve the existing system and augment supply.

The utility now produces approximately 30,000 cubic meters of potable water daily at its filtration plant located at the boundary of Tingib, Pastrana, Leyte and Brgy. Hibunawon, Jaro, Leyte.

Water is now drawn from the Hiabangan and Hitugnob rivers in Dagami town.

The bulk, or 70%, goes to Tacloban, where half of the utility’s estimated 40,000 customers are based.

Mr. Villasin said the utility had a supply deficiency of about 25% in Tacloban last year.

The water district also serves Dagami, Tolosa, Tabon-Tabon, Sta. Fe and Pastrana, Tanauan, and Palo, all in Leyte. (Sarwell Q. Meniano)