Government allots P257-M for potable water projects

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released Wednesday P257.2 million to the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to fund various water supply projects.

The fund release is part of the P700-million appropriation under LWUA for its Potable Water Supply Project, also known as the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (Salintubig) Program.

Some 29 provinces will benefit from the budget, which is chargeable against the 2012 General Appropriations Act.

"The alleviation of poverty will depend largely on the efficient delivery of public goods and services, including the provision of potable water to communities that don't have access to it," Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said.

"With this fund release, LWUA ensure the continuous supply of safe drinking water for impoverished families, especially those in rural and remote areas," Abad added.

The Salintubig Program is implemented by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) together with the National Antipoverty Commission (NAPC).

The program aims to provide water supply systems for 445 waterless municipalities, barangays, health centers and resettlement sites across the country.

The project will also enhance the capacity of local government units (LGUs) or water service providers in the planning, implementation, and operation of water supply facilities.

Earlier this year, the DBM approved the release of P1.3 billion to the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDDS) Program, which will also provide water supply systems to indigent barangays, among other services.

Abad said the P257.2-million release will finance other existing projects under LWUA that were suspended due to insufficient funds. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)