In Barangays busay and apas: “Thirsty” sitios to have clean water supply soon

CEBU, Philippines — After enduring years without access to clean water, approximately 1,500 households or around 7,500 residents in Barangays Busay and Apas, Cebu City, will soon have a steady supply from the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD).

In a statement to the media, MCWD identified Sitio Mahayahay in Busay and Sitio Calvary in Apas as among the city’s so-called “thirsty” areas, largely due to their difficult terrain and location.

To address this long-standing issue, MCWD has launched a pipeline expansion project specifically aimed at improving water service in these underserved communities.

According to MCWD, 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 (RROW) under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Government of Cebu," their statement reads.

The water utility also assured the public that it has secured all necessary clearances from private property owners.

Recently, the agency noted that Cebu Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia approved excavation and pipelaying works along Capitol-owned property.

They added that this approval came after Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia personally requested the governor’s support for the project.

Once pipelaying is completed next month, residents—many of whom have gone years without MCWD water—can finally look forward to a reliable supply.

"MCWD remains committed to expanding its reach by implementing more pipelaying and expansion projects and developing new water sources to serve more communities," the statement reads. — (FREEMAN)