Tacloban gov’t talks with giant firms to supply water in relocation sites

TACLOBAN CITY, Feb. 18 (PNA) -– The city government here is negotiating with the country’s giant water service providers to establish a new water supply system to the city’s resettlement sites in northern villages.

Mayor Alfred Romualdez said that there are ongoing negotiations with Manila Water, Maynilad and another firm, which the official declined to mention, to provide long term solutions to water shortage problem in relocation sites.

“We have been constantly talking to them to provide temporary solutions, but eventually long term solutions. We just need an investor since the funding requirement is huge,” Romualdez told reporters.

The mayor is optimistic that at least one of these firms will invest in the city given the return of investments. Based on initial estimates by the National Economic Development Authority, the project requires PHP1 billion investment.

Resettlement has been established in Tacloban villages of Kawayan, Tagpuro, Cabalawan, Suhi, Sto Niño, New Kawayan, Camansihay, Salvacion, Tigbao, and Sta. Elena.

The government admitted that water supply is a major concern of relocating families since areas near resettlement sites are not being serviced by the Leyte Metropolitan Water District (LMWD).

The proposed project will tap existing source in Pastrana, Leyte.

Water supply remains a major setback on the government’s bid to transfer more than 10,000 families from danger zones to relocation sites, despite completion of several housing units.

Currently, water needs of relocated families are being met through regular water rationing by the city government, deep well, and water storage tanks set up by non-government organizations and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (PNA)
LAP/SARWELL Q. MENIANO