Build more wells, dams to avert ‘water crisis’ in 2025

CEBU, Philippines - To avert potential water crisis in 2025, the Cebu Provincial Board is pushing for the construction of more water wells and dams in the province.

The PB also called on government agencies and private sectors to help strengthen governance in Cebu’s watershed areas, including the Argao River Forest Reserve, Mananga, Kotkot-Lusaran River Watershed Forest Reserve and the watersheds of Can-asujan, Combado, Asturias, Luyang, Tabuelan, and Languyon.

The PB’s move came after Emma Melama, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 director, said that by 2025 or earlier, Cebu would experience water crisis if necessary measures won’t be put in place as soon as possible.

Board Member Thadeo Jovito Ouano, who penned the resolution, said it is high time to focus efforts on mitigating the threats to the dwindling water supply of Cebu.

He said the PB supports the recommendation of the DENR-7 to construct more water wells and gabion/check dams on the gullies/creeks in the catchment areas of Butuanon, Mahiga, Lahug, Guadalupe and Bulacao rivers to facilitate aquifer recharge and decrease surface runoff.

Reforestation, national greening program, watershed protection, and adopt an estero program are also among the initiatives of DENR to address possible water scarcity.

Ouano said topography, rapid population growth and urbanization, and climate change are the factors contributing to water crisis.

According to the World Health Organization, water quality can also be compromised by the presence of infectious agents, toxic chemicals, and radiological hazards.

WHO said preserving the quality of fresh water is important for the drinking-water supply, food production and recreational water use, saying “water is essential for life.”

It said the amount of fresh water on earth is limited, and its quality is under constant pressure. Globally, water scarcity already affects four out of every 10 people.

By 2025, WHO said nearly 2 billion people will be living in countries or regions with absolute water shortage, where water resources per person fall below the recommended level of 500 cubic metres per year. This is the amount of water a person needs for a healthy and hygienic living.

Large parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe, including the south east of Britain are categorized by the United Nations as facing water stress or scarcity.

Experts estimate that maybe three billion people worldwide still lack safe water to drink.

Experts said it might get worse with climate change, although scientists' projections of future rainfall are notoriously cloudy. —KBQ (FREEMAN)