EDITORIAL - Water shortage

In what could be a big blow to the bustling tourism industry, some barangays in Lapu-Lapu City are experiencing acute water shortages. In Barangay Punta Engano, residents are reportedly complaining about the low supply for several months already.

The Metro Cebu Water District apologized for the water interruptions, saying that the situation is caused by a damaged mainline busted by a heavy equipment of a contractor doing road rehabilitation.

MCWD personnel are reportedly working non-stop to repair the mainline to restore water supply to Barangays Basak, Pajac, Maribago, Punta Engano, Sangi, Pajo, among others, which are badly affected by the interruption.

For years, the lack of water has really been a problem in that city. Since the distributor cannot cope with the rising demand, some residents had to resort to digging few meters underground for their supply.   

Many fear that the lack of water would cause Lapu-Lapu City to lose its drawing power as one of Cebu's top tourist attractions. In fact, reports the other day have it that some tourists have transferred to hotels in the mainland because of the lack of water at the resorts where they are staying. 

We do not want the situation to worsen. Tourism has been a major contributor to Lapu-Lapu City's unprecedented economic growth. The city even holds a very important role in Cebu's position as the center of commerce in the south.

However, tourism is not the only sector that would greatly be affected if this problem continues. We all know that Lapu-Lapu City is hosting one of the country's biggest economic zones that cater to many multinational corporations.   

The city's local government unit should now start looking for ways to immediately solve this problem before it's too late. Incentives for business locators should not only revolve around granting tax breaks. To attract more investments, better infrastructure should be taken into account.