Samsam to MCWD: Build more wells

CEBU, Philippines — Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr. has suggested to the Metropolitan Cebu Water District to drill more wells and to construct a dam in Mananga to answer the water crisis.

Gullas aired his sentiments during a meeting together with the MCWD officials last October 25. Also present during the meeting at the Archbishop’s Palace in Cebu City were Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, members of the Central Cebu River Basins Management Council, representatives from Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Housing Authority, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office.

Gullas said Talisay City, which is one of MCWD’s sources of water, is itself experiencing scarcity of water.

He narrated that the problem could have been mitigated if MCWD coordinated with him. However, the city mayor added that he is trying to forget the past and move to find solution to the problem, which is to ease the water shortage.

In Talisay City, Gullas plans to create a committee just to entertain queries and concerns regarding water.

He believes that making more wells in Cebu could be a short-term solution to the supply woes.

He also pointed out that construction of Mananga Dam can be a long-term solution as it could give additional 80 million liters per day.

But surely, he added, there will be Talisaynons who would be affected and need to be relocated.

Gullas gave a nod on the proposal but asked stakeholders to help him relocating those families that may be hit by the project.

“Kun under ni siya sa private-public partnership, hangyo lang mi sa winning bidder nga tabangan sa pag-relocate ang maigo sa project (If this will be under a public-private partnership scheme, we will request the bidder to help in relocating those who will be affected by the project),” Gullas said. (FREEMAN)