Camotes locals, execs urged to address lack of toilets

CEBU, Philippines — Residents and government officials of Camotes Island in northern Cebu are urged to improve and construct toilets to cater to the needs of tourists.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said residents, especially those living near the coast, can make a living out of it, as well as help in preventing water contamination due to fecal coliform, a type of bacteria commonly found in human and animal feces.

The vice governor, who visited the island over a week ago, made the appeal after noting the increasing influx of tourists on the island, an eco-tourism destination.

During her visit, many tourists, mostly locals, were seen camping on the beach due to lack of hotel and resort rooms.

“Where do these tourists go to answer the call of nature?” she asked.

She said there’s a need for more toilets.

The vice governor said she does not want Camotes or any other tourist destinations in Cebu to suffer the same fate as that of Boracay.

The world-renowned tourist destination has been closed since April 26 to pave way for the massive rehabilitation. The closure will run for six months.

Magpale said the Boracay incident should serve as a wake-up call for everyone.

Moreover, Magpale said the Capitol and the local government are planning to require four-chamber wastewater facilities to those who wish to build resorts in Camotes Island.

She said there are only three basic chambers in the septage, but the fourth chamber is added to treat water prior to its discharge back to the environment. — KBQ (FREEMAN)