Maasin water district eyes short-term plan to augment water supply

By BONG PEDALINO
September 15, 2010

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte  –  When it rains it pours, but still these were not yet enough to replenish the lost water supply in this city.

According to Nestor Geraldo, General Manager of Maasin Water District (MWD), they still have to use the additional pump installed at barangay Nasaug, in addition to existing pumps and the traditional sources of drinking water taken at Canlited in barangay San Jose and Capores in barangay Tagnipa.

In a phone Tuesday, Geraldo said they are awaiting results of sent samples of water from the new pump and when this will be proven potable this can supply the water needs of 500 households.

There are at present some 3,600 water concessionaires in the service area coverage of MWD from Combado to Soro-Soro to portions of barangay Ibarra, up by 200 from 3,400 when he assumed as head since July last year, Geraldo said.

He added that the MWD’s Board of Directors made a policy of not accepting any new water user just yet due to the continuing scarcity of the life-giving element, even as many had wanted to open new connections.

Once the new pump will be operational, Geraldo said he would request the MWD Board to have another underground pump installed as a short-term measure to supply the city’s ever-increasing water needs.

Aside from this short-term initiative, which involves the installation of at least two deep well pumps, MWD is also considering a long-range plan for a stable water supply in close coordination with the city government.

This long range course of action requires the full development and utilization of a huge water potential in barangay Cagnituan, but tapping this seemingly unlimited source would need an estimated cost of P200 Million, Geraldo added.