Unattended “ATMs” pose health risk?

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Health Officer Stella Ygoña said the operation of the so-called “Automated Tubig Machines” left unattended by their operators in sidewalks may pose health risks to the public because some people may tamper with them.

Ygoña said unattended water vending machines should immediately be confiscated by the members of the City Hall’s Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement.

She explained that it is not impossible that some unscrupulous persons may make these water vending machines dirty, or worse put poison in the spout where the water comes out.

These water vending machines are now a common sight along sidewalks in Cebu City and are also popular in other places in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The “ATM” is a self-service coin-operated water vending machine where those who want to drink cold water just have to insert a P1 coin into the slot and water immediately comes out of the spout.

“Makatabang tinuod ni sa mga giuhaw nga makainom dayon og bugnaw nga tubig ug barato pa, apan kuyaw kon anha ni ibutang sa aseras nga walay magbantay kay mahimo man nga tuyoon pagbutang og hugaw,” said pedestrian Maria Sinanggote.

A small bottle of purified or mineral water usually costs P10 to P15, depending on the brand. 

PROBE acting head Raquel Arce assured to work on it, but she needs to coordinate first with the city health officials.  Ygoña explained that water vending machines inside stores that are always supervised by operators are safe from confiscation.

The Cebu City Council had earlier proposed an ordinance to regulate the operation of water vending machines in the city.  (FREEMAN)