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Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Speak Out: Water problem in San Fernando
By Neil Papas
THIS refers to the Municipality of San Fernando’s poor water services particularly in Barangay San Isidro.
Rule V, Article 25 of the Rules and Regulations Implementing the Local Government Code of 1991 provides, “Responsibility for Delivery of Basic Services and Facilities.-– The LGUs shall, in addition to their existing functions and responsibilities, provide basic services and facilities devolved to them covering, but not limited to, the following: …Construction and maintenance of infrastructure facilities funded by the municipality to serve the needs of the residents including, but not limited to:…Artesian wells, spring development, rainwater collectors, and water supply systems…”
If my memory serves me right, the water problem in our locality has existed for almost a decade already.
Seeking assistance from other sectors is therefore in order.
Legal basis
Under existing laws, the private sector is obliged to assist in the development of communities.
For instance, Section 134 (a) of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 7942 otherwise known as the “Philippine Mining Act of 1995” provides, “The Contractor/Permit Holder/Lessee shall assist in the development of the host and neighboring communities and mine camp to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants living therein.”
Section 135 of the same IRR further provides, “Credited Activities. The following activities or expenditures shall be considered in enhancing the development of the host and neighboring communities:
“a. Establishment/construction, development and maintenance of infrastructure (i. e., community school, hospitals, churches, recreational facilities, access roads, bridges, piers, wharves, communication, waterworks, electric power and sewerage systems, community housing projects, and training facilities for manpower development).”
Mineral agreement
Taiheiyo Cement Phils., Inc. (TCPI) (formerly Grand Cement) and/or Solid Earth Development Corporation (SEDC) are contracted by the Philippine Government to explore, develop and utilize mineral resources in the Municipality of San Fernando.
Its operations therefore are within the coverage of the above-cited IRR.
To sustain its operations, these two companies extract water from within the jurisdiction of San Fernando.
Proposals
--For Toshio Komatsu, TCPI president, to consider sharing the company’s water sources with the neighboring communities particularly Barangay San Isidro, where water shortage is horrible, via the pipeline close to the cemetery.
The cost can be charged against the 90 percent of the 1 percent direct mining and milling costs allotted to implement the Social Development and Management Program.
--For Mayor Antonio Canoy to touch base with TCPI/SEDC and discuss the implementation of the proposed water-sharing project the soonest time possible.
--For the Sangguniang Bayan of San Fernando to support the project by way of passing appropriate legislative measure.
--For Roger de Dios, Mines and Geosciences Bureau 7 OIC regional director and chairman, Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee, to consider and push this water-sharing project as a credited activity to enhance the development of neighboring communities.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (July 19, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
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