AROUND 1,500 households, or approximately 7,500 individuals, in barangays Busay and Apas in Cebu City will soon enjoy safe, adequate, and affordable water supply from the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD).
Sitio Mahayahay in Busay and Sitio Calvary in Apas are among the so-called “thirsty” areas due to their challenging locations.
As part of its ongoing efforts to expand water service coverage and address the growing demand in underserved areas, MCWD has launched pipeline expansion projects specifically targeting these sitios.
The project has already been awarded to a contractor. However, implementation faced slight delays due to the need to lay pipes along privately-owned roads and sections of road right-of-way under the jurisdiction of the Cebu Provincial Government.
MCWD spokesperson Minerva Gerodias said the notice to proceed for the projects was issued in May 2024.
But clearance from Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to proceed with the project was obtained only on April 2, following a February letter-request sent by MCWD to the Capitol and a personal follow-up by Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia.
The MCWD has since secured the necessary clearances from private property owners. The total budget allocated for the projects is P27 million.
Recently, Governor Garcia also approved excavation and pipelaying works along Capitol-owned property after Mayor Garcia requested the governor’s project approval.
In a visit to the Cebu City Hall, MCWD General Manager Edgar Donoso expressed his gratitude to the mayor for facilitating the request. He also thanked Governor Garcia for her continued support of MCWD and its initiatives.
Once pipelaying is completed in May, the MCWD said residents in affected areas, many of whom have been without access to MCWD water for years, can finally enjoy a steady supply, thanks to available water from the Lusaran bulk water project.
The MCWD said it remains committed to expanding its reach by implementing more pipelaying and expansion projects and developing new water sources to serve more communities. / CDF with PR