MORE than 5,000 families in Lapu-Lapu City, who have long relied on trucked-in water deliveries, are poised to gain access to a stable and sustainable water source with the development of two new desalination plants. The project, backed by a P1.41 billion loan signed on Thursday, April 10, 2025, aims to provide clean water to thousands of households that have struggled with water supply issues for years.
Cebu Summa Water Lapu-Lapu (CSWLL), a subsidiary of MacroAsia Corp., has secured financing from Security Bank Corp. to construct the desalination plants in Lapu-Lapu City. These facilities will convert seawater into clean and usable water for local communities.
Jennifer Chan, assistant general manager and head of special projects at Summa Water Resources Inc. (SWRI), stated in a message to SunStar Cebu that the initial service coverage of the projects will benefit 5,500 households across two locations in the city.
The Barangay Punta Engaño site is expected to supply water to approximately 5,000 households, while a smaller facility on Olango Island in Barangay Sta. Rosa will serve around 500.
Chan explained that the initial phase of the desalination project will involve the construction of a 20 million liters per day plant in Punta Engaño and a smaller facility with a production capacity of 500 cubic meters per day in Sta. Rosa.
“Currently, both areas depend on water tankering as their primary water source. These desalination facilities will provide a stable and sustainable water supply for their respective communities, eliminating the need for trucked-in water,” Chan said.
Pre-construction work at both sites is scheduled to begin by May, with the first water delivery anticipated later this year. Chan also said that expansion plans are being considered for a site in Barangay Marigondon.
In 2019, CSWLL, a wholly owned subsidiary of SWRI, formalized a joint venture with the Lapu-Lapu City Government to address ongoing water supply problems. The partner entities held a groundbreaking ceremony in Punta Engaño on Sept. 15, 2024, to officially mark the start of construction for the project.
In previous interviews, Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan said the desalination project would help resolve the city’s daily water shortage of 100,000 cubic meters. He also noted that upon completion of the desalination plants, residents of Punta Engaño, who have relied on government water deliveries, will gain access to clean and affordable water. / DPC