TACLOBAN CITY—The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Eastern Visayas will endorse to Malacañang for funding the P2-billion comprehensive masterplan of Ormoc waterworks system, which is seen as the ultimate solution to the decades-old problem of water shortage in that city.
The Ormoc waterworks system will “completely overhaul, rehabilitate and expand the existing water system of the entire city of Ormoc into one system”. When the plan materializes, the existing 26 pumping stations will be shut down to serve as standby water source.
“The new water system will be operating 24/7 of continuous water service without interruptions,” according to its project description submitted to RDC.
For several years now, Ormoc has been struggling with ways to effectively manage its water-supply system, but continues to experience unsatisfactory services receiving complaints of inadequate water supply and turbidity during rainy days.
The present water system is run by 26 pumping stations with low overhead water reservoir, resulting to very limited water pressure, depriving many of the its residents of their needed water.
“Operating these 26 pumping stations with all the valving systems which isolate the system makes the operation and maintenance complicated, not to mention the non-availability of pump spare parts during wear and tear,” the project brief states.
The new waterworks system will develop Lake Danao as the water source to sustainably supply water in the entire city. The new system will operate by gravity.
“It will be one system complete with intake facilities, water treatment plants/facilities, water storage tanks, transmission and distribution pipelines, service connections, fire hydrants and other appurtenances,” the brief stated.
Components of the P2-billion water system project includes development of new water source from Lake Danao; construction of four units concrete ground reservoirs that will serve as pressure breakers and water storage; and construction of 90,000 cubic meters per day water-treatment plants.
The project will also include the supply and installation of 14 kilometers of 700-millimeter transmission main pipelines, 30.8 km of sizes ranging from 200-millimeter to 700-millimeter diameter of distribution main pipelines and appurtenances.
When completed, the new water supply system will be able to serve 110 barangays that will supply water to an estimated 397,387 population by the year 3023.
In recommending the project to the Office of the President, the city government will for apply water permit with the National Water Resources Board or to Department of Public Works and Highways, which is the designated agent of NWRB, for the use of Lake Danao as water source for domestic use.
The city government will also secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate at the Environment Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
A feasibility study shall also be conducted to determine the “reasonableness” of a water tariff that will be charged to the consumers to ensure the sustainable operation of the project.