P42.46-M fund pumped in for tourism water infra project

CARIGARA, Leyte, Sept. 12  -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has pumped in PHP42.46 million for its water pipeline installation project in Leyte’s second district to enhance water supply service.

Dubbed as Tourism Water Infrastructure (TouWa) program, it is a joint undertaking of the DPWH, Department of Tourism, Local Water Utilities Authority, National Anti-Poverty Commission with funding support from the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

It seeks to facilitate tourism and economic growth in identified priority development areas in the countryside.

The installation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes will run along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc national highway covering the villages of Tagak, Barugohay Central, Jugaban, San Mateo, Barugohay Norte in Carigara town up to the road leading to the next town of Barugo.

DPWH Leyte 2nd District Engineer Carlos Veloso said the installation and replacement of the distribution lines is also being undertaken to pave the way for widening of bridges to four lanes located along these areas.

“We are expanding and rehabilitating old bridges and widening them to accommodate the burgeoning traffic along major routes in the district, and our water lines are likewise affected,” Veloso said.

Meanwhile, the Metro Carigara Water District (MCWD), the water utility in the area, pointed out this project is intended to address the vulnerability of the main water supply which has been installed more than 50 years ago.

MCWD noted increasing number of complaints such as “intermittent to no water supply, pressure fluctuation and pipe leaks.”

The provision of safe, cost-effective and sustainable water supply is one of the vital components of the government's infrastructure program and it is identified to be one of the top critical tourism infrastructures.

"Providing such infrastructure would be crucial in enriching tourism growth and development in these areas,” Veloso added.

The TouWa Program is expected to boost local tourism through infrastructure projects and job creation in the identified communities. (ACR/PNA)