Tuesday, February 19, 2008 Water supply project cancellation, too late: Yaranon
CANCELLATION of the Bulk Water Supply Project (BWSP) with the Benguet Corporation (BC) should have been done earlier.
"They should have done this a long time ago. Why did it take them this long?" asked former Baguio mayor Braulio Yaranon, a known critic of the BWSP bid.
Last November, the Baguio Water District (BWD) cancelled its agreement with BC on the basis that rates per cubic meter to be imposed by the water supplier may be too expensive for an average household. The BWD charges P40 per cubic, while the BC would charge more than P50 per cubic meter.
Although the pronouncement by the BWD that a bulk water supply project may still be pursued, Yaranon said the problem of where to source water supply for Baguio's increasing population remains to be an issue which has to be addressed before they venture into such an agreement.
Yaranon said towns within the Blist area also need water. He said deep wells remain to be a viable source of water for residents of Baguio.
To avoid depletion of aquifers, there has to be continuing reforestation to replenish water sources.
"Those opposed to the project are glad they decided to cancel. At least we have gotten rid of it. Eventually, the interest of the people triumphed," Yaranon said.
At present, Baguio has a daily demand of 100,000 cubic meters. The BWD supplies 32,000 cubic meters. Because of the depleting ground water sources, the water utility since 1995 came up with the idea of sourcing water outside of Baguio.
In 1997, the BWD conducted bidding. This eventually was declared a failure because participating bidders were then unable to identify sustainable water sources. A new bidding was done in 2003 and BC was the lone and only qualified bidder. (RO)
