Still on the water supply problem

 In last week’s column I could not elaborate on the water supply problem due to space limitations.
           
A few points may be added here. It is important to note that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) spent P750 million in rehabilitating the reservoir of the Leyte Metropolitan and Water District (LMWD) from March 1994 to February 1996. This was a grant, not a loan.
           
The scope of work included: construction of dam and intake structure, construction of sedimentation basin, installation of row water convergence pipeline system, construction of access road (2.6 kms.), construction of bridge (25 linear meters), construction of treatment plant, and installation of pipeline from Dagami to Tanauan, Leyte. The P750 million was spent to repair the damaged structures, not to expand its capacity.
           
What LMWD needed to do to meet the water supply requirement of its service area was to: (a) expand the capacity of its reservoir, and (b) install a new distribution system that would feature a pipeline with a bigger capacity.
           
In both instances, LMWD has not been able to do anything significant.
           
The previous management of LMWD was often at odds with the Local Waterworks Utilities Administration (LWUA) so it could not get its help.
           
The present management has not presented to its concessionaires any plan that will do both of the above.
           
It seems that LMWD is hesitant because improving its services would mean increasing water rates and its concessionaires would oppose it. It may be prejudging public reaction by thinking that way.
           
A transparent presentation of a plan in a duly constituted public hearing would be an effective way of getting the reaction of its concessionaires.
           
Consumers of water from LMWD actually end up spending more under the present set-up.
           
By buying from vendors of water (including LMWD trucks carrying water) the public is spending more compared to getting the water from household connections.
           
Operating those water pumps to increase pressure or fill up tanks results in higher electric bills. Those who resort to this will spend less if water is available at all times and at the pressure needed.
           
There are other reasons we can cite. But the point is clear. LMWD has to accept it and work on solving it within a definite period of time, and fast.

LMWD can do it, that’s for sure. They have the competence and a clear understanding of the problem.

This is not an impossible dream. Right now, it is like a recurring nightmare.