To counter dry spell effects: City okays P3.6 million budget to build artesian wells

CEBU, Philippines - The city government has earmarked P3.6 million for the construction of 18 artesian wells in the different mountain barangays allegedly to counter the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

The Cebu City Council yesterday approved the resolution sponsored by Councilor Eugenio “Jingjing” Faelnar allocating the amount. The council likewise approved another resolution of Faelnar allocating P1.5 million as financial assistance to the Association of Barangay Councils.

Faelnar, who heads the ABC, recommended the construction of artesian wells in barangays identified by water diviner Soledad “Choleng” Legaspi to as potential source of potable water.

Legaspi was hired by Mayor Tomas Osmeña to help the city identify water sources amidst the limited water supply brought about by the long dry spell.

The artesian wells are to be constructed in different sitios of Barangays Talamban, Sinsin, Sirao, Mabini, Pung-ol Sibugay, Pit-os, Pulangbato, Binaliw, Bacayan and Budlaan, where residents have experienced scarcity of water supply.

Osmeña is said to have verbally approved the spending of the P3,648,975 for the artesian wells project. Each artesian well will cost the city P190,209 up to P231,155 depending on its location, said Faelnar during the council’s regular session yesterday.

The mayor earlier hired the 80-year psychic that has a special gift in divining sources of water. The psychic was escorted by the City Hall personnel in going to the various mountain barangays to look for sources of water.

“Angay g’yod nga madali ang paghimo og mga puso artesyano sa kabukiran aron maiban-ibanan ang problema sa mga lumulopyo nga naglisud pagpangita’g suplay sa ilang tubig,” Faelnar said.

The mayor said 90 percent of the sites identified by Legaspi is accurate. He cited a case at the South Road Properties (SRP) where the old woman pinpointed an area near the sea to be a good source of fresh water.

The old woman, in looking for possible sources of water, is not using sophisticated equipment but rather uses only her finger. (FREEMAN NEWS)