Carillo asks OBO: Implement water tank ordinance

CEBU, Philippines - With the onset of the rainy season that caused flooding in the city, the Cebu City Council wanted to strengthened the implementation of the water tank ordinance.

Councilor Gerry Carillo, in a resolution, requested the Office of the Building Official to implement the ordinance that requires all building construction owners who build commercial, industrial, institutional and residential projects in the city of Cebu, owners, malls, condominiums and other establishments in the city of Cebu to put up Cistern Tanks or Rainwater tanks.

The resolution passed on July 31 is aimed at addressing flooding and at the same time save and recycle rain water.

“The enforcement of Cistern Tanks or Rainwater Tanks ordinance would prevent flooding and save water as an important resource,” Carillo’s resolution stated.

The resolution added that this move is “timely appropriate” with flooding and landslide incidents in recent weeks.

According to City Ordinance No. 1711, failure to comply means that the City Government shall withhold the issuance of Building Permit or Occupancy Permit.

Exempted from the required water tanks are structures costing not more than P500,000.

As prescribed by the ordinance, a one cubic meter tank is required for every 15 square meters of roof area and deck in commercial, industrial and institutional building provided the same has a maximum of seven cubic meters of tank container.

One half cubic meter of tank or container is required for every 15 square meter of roof area and deck in residential building with a maximum of three cubic meter of tank or container.

Violators will be fined not more than P1,000 or imprisonment of not more than six months.  (FREEMAN)