MCWD told: Solve recurring water crisis

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council is calling on the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) to come up with a long-term solution to address the recurring water problem during the dry season.

Thousands of residents, especially in the upland barangays of Cebu City are affected by water crisis due to the worsening dry weather triggered by the weak El Niño phenomenon.

The city council said it is high time to establish an effective and lasting solution to the city’s water shortage.

“While I appreciated the efforts of MCWD in addressing this problem through water rationing, I humbly suggest that the said water supplier should come up with a long-term solution,” Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera said in a privilege speech at yesterday’s city council session.

The council also asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to help MCWD in resolving the water crisis.

It also requested the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office and Office of the Building Official to inspect buildings to ensure they are compliant with the City Ordinance 2103, which requires establishments to install rainwater tankers.

Meanwhile, Councilor David Tumulak, city council’s committee chair on public order and safety, asked the public to

City Council’s chairman on public order and safery, councilor David Tumulak asked the public cut the untended grasses in order to prevent fire incidents.

He said the initiative would minimize the utilization of water.

“If there’s fire, the water for the residents affected by El Niño might be used to put out the fire. Mosamot atong problema sa pagkanihit sa tubig,” he said.

Grass and rubbish-related fires were reported in three south district barangays of Guadalupe, Tisa, and Basak San Nicolas yesterday, said Tumulak. (FREEMAN)