MAYOR Maria Isabelle Cliamco-Salazar issued an order to three departments of the City Government to undertake the necessary preparations to cushion the effect of the incoming dry season.

This, as an El Niño weather phenomenon is expected to hit the country in February, this year.

Ordered to undertake contingencies to address the effects of the water shortage on the population, particularly the agricultural sector, in coordination with Zamboanga City Water District’s (ZCWD) Task Force El Niño were the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, City Agriculturist’s Office, and City Health Office.

Salazar has asked for the cooperation of the residents to conserve water and use it efficiently.

Engineer Bong Reyes of the ZCWD’s Task Force El Niño, said the water level is down at 74.06 meters from the normal level of 74.20 meters.

Reyes said they foresee a decrease in water production in the coming days.

Reyes said they are augmenting production from the water treatment plant in the village of Pasonanca to augment supply in affected areas in the west coast, and as such, low water pressure can be expected in the east coast.

Dr. Dulce Miravite, City Health Office chief, has advised the public to keep themselves hydrated as the weather heats due brought about by the entry of the El Niño. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)