Priority program on water pushed
Engr. Timoteo Villaroman of the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) said that the different Water Districts (WDs) have a critical role in speeding up the President's Priority Program on Water, during a Water Forum, held at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, March 29, 2006.
This Priority Program on Water is the government's commitment to provide safe water supply and sanitation services to identified "waterless areas" in the country.
Engr. Villaroman cited DILG Memorandum circular 2006-09, dated February 6, 2006, which directs all governors, municipal and city mayors, and DILG Regional Directors to create strategic partnerships with local Water Districts for the President's Priority Program on Water.
The memorandum circular asks water districts to get involved in the development planning activities pertaining to water supply and sanitation through the sectoral or functional committees of the City or Municipal Development Councils.
Villaroman further said that the President's Priority Program on Water includes Construction/Rehabilitation of level 1 or Level 2 water supply system, capacity building of the LGUs/CBOs operating the WSS, and the construction of Ecological; Sanitation Projects.
On the other hand, Local Water Utilities Administrator Larry Jamora said that the local water district offices can only be efficient if the local government units would have stricter policies on the proper use and management of water resources, and the government agencies would give their share in the effort.
Jamora added that families and the communities, likewise, should learn to care and be responsible for every leak in water pipes, and how to use water properly in their own homes and environments.
He further said that he was pleased to know that it is not only LWUA which strongly advocates for proper water management and use, but that there are also other stakeholders who take up the cudgels, as shown by their participation in the Water Forum.
(PIA 6/ESS)