Towns sans chlorinators urged to procure them

CEBU, Philippines - After people were downed by typhoid fever in Badian town and diarrhea in Carmen town, the Cebu Provincial Board has urged all local government units to install chlorinators in their water sources.

The PB also assured to provide assistance in the form of chlorinators and waterworks materials to the LGUs that ask for them.

In a resolution sponsored by Board Member Jude Thaddeus Sybico, the PB also urged the LGUs to constantly monitor the operation of any installed chlorinators to prevent the recurrence of waterborne diseases.

Sybico said only the prompt action of the officials of the localities hit by outbreak as well as the Integrated Provincial Health Office contained the spread of the pathogens from becoming into an outbreak.

“Their recurrence continues to pose a direct challenge to the duty of municipal corporations,” Sybico said.

Around 109 persons were downed by diarrhea in Barangay Luyang, Carmen, while five were admitted for typhoid fever in Barangay Calangcang in Badian.

Sybico said that the recent spate of waterborne diseases has once again brought to public attention the issue on the safety of public water supply.

Water contamination was found to be the main cause of the two recent incidents.

IPHO chief Dr. Cristina Giango said Badian town has no chlorinator in their water source.

Giango also said that even reservoirs with chlorinators still need cleaning if the water source has no treatment facility.

Acting Governor Agnes Magpale earlier assured that the provincial government can give assistance to the LGUs.

A private company which has an ongoing waterworks project in Badian is reportedly helping the municipality in solving the problem.

Abejo Water Corporation is investing in a P35-million waterworks system to bring potable water to Badian residents.

The water firm has just started the pipe-laying works last week and hope to complete the project before the year ends.  - /BRP (FREEMAN)