Talisay quickens replacement of rusty water pumps

CEBU, Philippines - Since most of its jet-matic pumps are already rusting, the Talisay City government is expediting its efforts on replacing these sources of potable water before the public acquires water-borne diseases.

"Daghan na'ng request sa barangay level, tayaon na kuno ang mga puso nila. Mahadlok pud ta kay makadaot baya ni sa mga moinum. Busa ato'ng gipang-ilisan ang mga dautan nga mga puso sa syudad (We've received a lot of reports that artesian wells in some barangays are already rusty. This will pose danger to the health of those who use it, so we're now replacing busted wells)," said Mayor Johnny V. de los Reyes.

Last week, at least four barangays-Pooc, Dumlog, San Roque and Poblacion-were given brand-new jet-matic pumps by the city government.

De los Reyes said he hopes to replace all dilapidated pumps in all of the city's 22 barangays in the coming weeks.

The neophyte city mayor said although more and more individuals are buying purified water, there are still thousands in his city who cannot afford to set aside P15 or more for every six-gallon container of commercial water.

And since the city boasts of its abundance of potable water, it is just right to make use of it, he said.

"Daghan man ta'g tubig nga mainom, lami pa. Mahal pud na'ng mga purified water sa mga bukid-bukid. Para di na mogasto ang katawhan, ato nalang gamiton ang naa sa atong kinaiyahan, kanang tubig sa ilawom (We have lots of sources of potable water. To those living in the mountains, purified water is expensive. We should make use of our natural water reservoirs so they won't spend much anymore) ," he said.

De los Reyes assured that the health inspectors from the City Health Office are regularly checking the quality of the water sources in all barangays to ensure that the public is drinking safe water.

He said they would immediately condemn sources which are found to have contaminants.  (FREEMAN)