Duterte assures public of enough water supply

MANILA, Philippines — As the Philippines grapples with the rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), President Duterte has given assurance that the country’s water supply is enough to enable the public to observe proper hygiene and prevent the spread of the illness.

“(For) 2020? We have (enough supply), I’m sure, as long as there is no reservation,” Duterte said at a press briefing at Malacañang last Monday.

Duterte reiterated that he was ready to “nationalize” the water industry if water firms fail to provide uninterrupted service to consumers.

The health department has urged the public to observe proper hygiene as a preventive measure against COVID-19. There have been concerns, however, that water supply issues during the summer months could pose a challenge to efforts to contain the spread of the disease.

The President said he is determined to defend the Kaliwa and Wawa dam projects before the courts to ensure that the Philippines would have adequate water supply.

“I am forcing the issue of the Kaliwa... the Wawa because if I do not do it within the next two years... Filipinos would die because there would be no water,” he said.

“I will force the issue and I will battle with them in court. And I hope that the judges and the justices would understand. I won’t be stopped. If I do, you won’t have water. Even your grandchildren. I will really force the issue. I said I will fight all the way,” he added.

The P12.2-billion Kaliwa Dam to be constructed in Quezon province is one of the government projects funded by Chinese loans. Some groups are worried that the project may cause floods, destroy the biodiversity of Sierra Madre and displace communities.

Last December, Duterte called for the completion of the Kaliwa Dam and the Razon-led Wawa Dam projects, calling them the “last resort to have water for Manila.”

The Chief Executive assured residents to be displaced by the projects that they would be properly compensated and relocated. He also warned courts not to delay the projects by issuing restraining orders.