MIWD embarks on long term projects to address water supply problem
Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) is currently taking measures to address the problem on water supply shortage especially during long dry season.
In a press release sent to The News Today, MIWD interim general manager Edwin Reyes bared that the water utility will soon undertake the interconnection of San Miguel water system to the distribution line in San Jose, San Miguel in order to divert the excess water from the municipality to Iloilo City proper via Mandurriao-Molo area. The interconnection will cost MIWD about P3 million.
MIWD is also set to drill two additional production wells in Caboloan Norte, Oton, and San Miguel specifically near its existing deep well sources. MIWD presently maintains nine deep wells for its groundwater source.
Reyes further added that all pumping stations in San Jose, San Miguel and even in Sta. Monica and Caboloan, Oton will undergo rehabilitation with the immediate replacement of electro-mechanical components based on proper sizing and capacity to harmonize with the entire system thereby increasing their production capacity.
He also mentioned that MIWD is mulling another reforestation activity in Maasin watershed. The water district wants to initiate another reforestation project aside from the program undertaken by the local government units and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
According to him MIWD will request technical assistance from Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and Bantay Kalikasan through Administrator Lorenzo Jamora for the preparation of a master plan on the new approach and framework for the sustainable development and protection of Maasin watershed.
MIWD will also consider the adoption of rainwater harvesting as alternative source of water supply and a way of recharging the aquifers of its several production wells.
Reyes is optimistic that as soon as these activities are realized, MIWD will be able to deliver enough water for its consumers from Maasin down to Iloilo City whether during prolonged drought or floods during rainy season.
In another development, Reyes disclosed that MIWD is also planning to engage in a bulk water supply agreement, either through the funding of the government or a private sector participation in anticipation of the growing water demand requirement of service area coverage as a consequence of its rapid growth and development. He hoped that this will be realized before or by 2010.