Thursday, April 19, 2007 EMB declares unsafe seawater in cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay
THE seawater of the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Talisay is contaminated, and not suitable for swimming and fishing.
Lawyers Liza Osorio of the Coastal Communication and Educational Foundation and Gloria “Golly” Estenzo Ramos, chairperson of the National Environmental Action Team of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, issued this warning.
They urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local government units (LGUs) concerned to regularly analyze the water in these areas.
Osorio said the last water analysis was conducted in 2005 yet, and there have been no follow-ups.
Osorio learned during a recent forum that the water in these areas is classified as industrial and not fit for swimming, fishing or any recreation or human activity.
“It is sad to note that this information has not been shared with the public,” she said.
Osorio and Ramos said the government is mandated to inform the people about this.
The DENR revealed during the forum that it shared the study with the LGUs so they can warn their residents.
Tourist destination
“I would surmise why this information has not been shared because Cebu has been touted as a tourism destination,” Osorio said.
According to results of the water analysis, 70 percent of the contamination is caused by domestic waste. Industrial waste only contributes 30 percent of that.
“Most of the households near the coastal areas have no basic sanitation facilities,” Osorio said.
When they went to Barangay Tanke, Talisay City to put up a toilet, they couldn’t because there was simply no place for it, she said, adding that the place is very congested.
“We cannot find a place to construct a toilet to prevent further contamination of the seawaters. That’s why the wastes from the residences go directly to the sea,” she said.
Osorio said the government has not responded to this problem.
Director Allan Arranguez of the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau confirmed the serious contamination in the Mactan Channel.
However, he said the water on the other side of Lapu-Lapu City facing Olango Island is clean and safe.
Arranguez said they have no laboratory findings on the water off Talisay City. (EOB)
