Hope seen for bulk water
BAGUIO City Mayor Mauricio Domogan remains optimistic the bulk water project to be implemented immediately in a bid to solve water woes in the Summer Capital.
“We hope sana maayos ang terms and condition because the bulk water project is long overdue,” Domogan said.
Domogan said the bulk water could have been approved had it not been politicized a few years back.
The mayor added a feasibility was recently presented to the Baguio Water District where in the source of water is being eyed from Itogon.
“Kung sana noong inoopose nila yung bulk water, they could have presented other alternative source but the opposition did not have any other solution kaya walang nangyari,” added Domogan.
The Bulk Water Supply Project was conceptualized in 1997 envisioned to be a joint venture undertaking with a private company to supply the city with its daily needs of 50,000 cubic meters.
The project will deliver potable water from outside sources that will be tapped by the winning supplier and its price must be fixed in order to be affordable to consumers who will then enjoy a round-the-clock supply of potable water for their various use.
BWD almost closed the deal with Benguet Corporation (BC) to source out potable and treated water from its former mine site but issues on the supply of contaminated water among others derailed the implementation of the project.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) providing water and wastewater services in the West Zone of Metropolitan Manila, the Ayala-led Manila Water Company providing water services over the East Zone of Metro Manila and Prime Water Infrastructure Corporation in Las Pinas were earlier reported to show interest in the project since last year.
Domogan cited the bulk water supply project has been identified as a long-term solution to the water shortage problem of the city but solutions to the problem will not be confined to the project since there are available short-term undertakings that could be initially implemented such as the putting up of additional deep wells and the rehabilitation of its old rain catchment basin. (Roderick Osis)