After moving its target date for operations several times, the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) is targeted to start operations in the first and second quarter of 2023, said project implementer Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc.
In a media forum on Monday, September 26, external relations officer May Che Capili said the first optic point of DCBWSP, which will start in the first quarter, will be in Tugbok.
After which, the progressive ramp-up of the remaining seven optic points in the city will follow through, particularly in barangays Calinan, Talandang, Mandug, Indangan, Cabantian, Panacan, and Dumoy.
The target start of operations of the DCBWSP was initially in 2021 before it was rescheduled to 2022 and further delayed to 2023 due to circumstances brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and the transition of contractors.
Capili said J.V. Angeles Construction Corporation is no longer in charge of the construction of the project and Apo Agua has since taken the lead along with other specialized contractors.
“Sa mga niaging bulan, naninguha gyod ta nga makuha ang mga kritikal na dokumento, materyales, og equipment aron (In the past months, we worked hard to acquire the critical documents, materials, and equipment so) we can sign up the new contractors and ramp up the construction in the coming weeks,” she said.
At the same time, Apo Agua targets to conduct 24/7 work in critical areas by next month to maximize the construction of the project. Specialized partner contractors will also focus on the water treatment facility and the remaining mechanical, electrical, and civil works.
“Next ana is ang testing and commissioning of the critical facilities (After that, the next thing we will do is the testing and commissioning of the critical facilities),” Capili said.
Once the bulk water supply starts operating, it will deliver at least 300 million liters of water daily in addition to the 330 million liters delivered by the Davao City Water District (DCWD) per day. In total, the water supply of the city will soon double.
“With that quantity, makaya na namo ma-meet ang (we will be able to meet the) water demand during peak hours of water usage, in such a way that those areas with low pressure and no water during peak hours, ma-address na nato ilang concern (we can address their concerns),” DCWD spokesperson Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod said.
Until then, DCWD will continue to implement projects to fill the gap in the water supply and demand, especially in areas experiencing recurring interruptions during peak hours including portions of Panacan, Sasa, Lanang, Cabantian, Communal, and Tugbok.
The spokesperson added that at least 29 percent of DCWD’s clients experience water supply problems but the rest have 24 hours of water service with no interruption.
“Although it’s not widespread, we were able to increase the water supply availability and pressure in several portions of our operations... but it’s not our ideal scenario because these are interim solutions. At the end of the day, we need an additional big amount of water supply,” Duhaylungsod said. ICM