Maynilad vows to address water shortage in Caloocan

Water utility firm Maynilad Water Services Inc. (MWSI) yesterday assured Caloocan residents affected by a chronic water shortage that measures are being taken to address the problem in their area.

This developed as a number of residents of Bagong Barrio took to the streets to dramatize their complaint.

The firm’s assurance was aired in a meeting held between MWSI officials and Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Echiverri, along with barangay chairmen of at least six barangays affected by the low water supply.

Jaime Bartolome, the water firm’s technical manager at the Caloocan Business Center, said the problem of "low pressure" to "no water" was due mainly to the low water level in Bagbag Dam, the main source of Bagong Barrio’s supply in the area.

"Hinde nare-replinish kaagad ang tubig sa dam kaya nararamdaman kaagad yung paghina ng tubig mula sa mga gripo," said Bartolome.

The official pointed out that various solutions, long term and short, are now being evaluated to address the problem.

One immediate solution is the manipulation of valve settings, which is expected to increase water supply to elevated portions of the area, the hardest hit by the lack of water.

"Kung kulang pa rin ang tubig kahit inayos na natin ang valve setting, we will just increase water rationing for the residents," Bartolome said. He said the MWSI already rations water to Bagong Barrio on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

As a long term solution, Bartolome said MWSI is currently drawing up plans to install another booster pump in the area that will ensure stronger water pressure.

The project, is, however, still in the evaluation stage, he said.

"While it is being worked out, we will continue rationing water to affected residents," he said. – Jerry Botial, Pete Laude