|
Monday, February 20, 2006
Alternative to polluted Zambo beach sought
ZAMBOANGA City Vice Mayor Maria Isabel Climaco suggested Sunday that the local government provide an alternative site for the polluted Cawa-cawa beach, where picnic-goers can use for free.
Health officials said warned residents not to swim in Cawa-Cawa because its waters are polluted and with high presence of bacteria, particularly E scherichia coli. But despite this warning, many locals continue to flock in Cawa-Cawa beach, especially during weekends, when families usually gather to picnic.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) also confirmed the waters to be polluted.
Climaco said there is a need to find a better alternative for Cawa-Cawa until the beach is declared safe for public use. She also asked the DOST to help the government find an area where residents can use.
While the Cawa-cawa boulevard has been a favorite hangout for families, the results of the water analysis conducted recently by the DOST and other agencies concerned is a cause for alarm, she said.
"I appeal to the public to heed the warning not to swim in the area due to the possible risks it can do to our health," she said.
The local government had previously posted warning signs around Cawa-Cawa to inform the public the waters are polluted, but these were ignored, Climaco said. "Agencies concerned should strictly enforce the ban to avoid endangering people's health," she said.
The DOST and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other stakeholders have been closely monitoring the water quality of beaches here, particularly the Cawa-cawa, since the previous year to ensure the safety of the public.
DOST Regional Director Brenda Nazareth recommended the following plan of action: establishment of a centralized wastewater treatment facility, strict enforcement of the local sanitary code, applicable city ordinances, and DENR administrative order, increase public awareness and consciousness regarding the deteriorating water quality of the beaches and its potential health risk, and public warning from using Cawa-cawa beach for swimming purposes. (Al Jacinto)
(February 20, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
