Photo courtesy of Picjumbo
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The thirst to adequate and potable water supply for the residents of the second district here might go on for a longer period as the proposed solution remains to be pending at the National Water Resources Board (NWRB).
The proposed P10-billion Davao City Tamugan Bulk Water Supply project of the Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. was already on the second hearing in the council.
However, it remained at the committee level following a protest from the barangay council.
In July, barangay officials sent a letter to the NWRB, raising concerns on the extraction rights of the company, the share of the barangay in the project, and environmental issues.
The NWRB is the only agency authorized to give water extraction permits to private and public firms. Without the grant of the NWRB, any project cannot push through.
The project is a joint venture of the Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) and JV Angeles Construction Corporation (JVACC). It is set to provide 300 million liters per day of potable water to Davao City Water District consumers, a solution to the existing water supply problem in second district of the city.
Areas including Cabantian, Indangan and Communal and other neighboring areas have been suffering intermittent water supply due to lack of water resources.
Councilor Rene Elias C. Lopez, chair of the committee on housing, rural and urban development said in a press conference on Tuesday, September 5, that the council still waits for the resolution of the NWRB with regard to the protest so proper actions can be determined by the committee.
Lopez stressed that the application of the Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. of additional allowable use for the use of the six-hectare property in Barangay Gumalang in Baguio district, is a “viable” solution to solve the looming water situation. (davaotoday.com)
