MCWD launches P54M-water project

AFTER a long wait, residents of Barangays Pit-os, Bacayan and Talamban in Cebu City will finally have potable water supply from the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD).

Recently, MCWD launched the Pit-os-Bacayan-Talamban Water Supply Project, which was highlighted by a groundbreaking ceremony and presentation of the water service project by MCWD assistant general manager for technical services Michael Balazo.

At present, residents in Bacayan buy water from private suppliers at P40 per cubic meter or more than double the water rates of MCWD, said Bacayan Barangay Captain Armando Borces.

MCWD has set aside P54 million for the project, which will be implemented by contractor New Culion Builders, to distribute 12,000 cubic meters of water per day to the three barangays.

Pipelaying is expected to start soon and the project is expected to be completed on Dec. 9, 2012.

Upon completion, there will be 74 stubouts available and seven water hydrants.

Water sources include MCWD’s Talamban well fields and possible private sources through joint venture contracts, said MCWD general manager Armando Paredes.

Paredes explained that the implementation of the project was delayed due to the lack of water source.

Since a decade ago, MCWD has been exploring possible sources of water to supply to residents of northern Cebu City.

Pit-os and Bacayan both have volcanic geologic formations, making it impossible to find water sources with sustainable yields.

Only Talamban has water-bearing groundwater sources since its ground is made of limestone.

Exploration works and well drilling were conducted leading to the discovery of four wells in Highway 77, Tigbao, Cadauhan and Nasipit--all in Talamban.

The purchase of lots and road-right-of-way followed, in accordance with government rules.

The four wells were completed in 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, and one is functional already with a daily yield of 1,540 cubic meters.

Paredes assured that it is MCWD’s thrust to provide enough potable water to the people within its franchise area.

MCWD and New Culion are appealing to the public to bear with the inconvenience the road diggings would cause to the commuters.