PB approves on first reading establishment of water board

CEBU, Philippines - It is only a matter of time before the Cebu Provincial Water Resources Board (CPWRB) will see the light of day.

The Provincial Board has approved on first reading the proposed ordinance sponsored by Board Member Thadeo Ouano (Cebu, 6th District) establishing the CPWRB, defining its powers and functions, as well as the funds needed.

In the proposed P3.6 billion annual budget for 2012 Governor Gwendolyn Garcia submitted to the Board, at least P2 million has been appropriated for the Provincial Water Resources Authority/Programs.

Also included in the Annual Investment Plan under social services is the P256 million for water supply development program.

Instances wherein hundreds of residents in some municipalities in the province became victims of water-borne diseases due to water contamination prompted Ouano to push for the establishment of CPWRB. The water body will formulate ways and means and a sustainable approach to water resource management.

Ouano said there is a need to monitor and evaluate the various water resources across the province to see to it that management complies with national standards provided for under the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines.

The Governor shall be the chairman of CPWRB while the chairman of the PB committee on environment will sit as vice chairman. The members shall be composed of the Provincial Engineer, Provincial Health Officer, representatives from the National Water Resources Board, non-government organizations dealing with water services and rural health offices.

One of the functions of the CPWRB Ouano is to monitor water suppliers in the province and see to it that deep wells have necessary permits and that water potability meets the requirements established by the national standards for drinking water. — (FREEMAN)