Gov't fast tracks water projects in Marawi

MARAWI CITY, Apr. 29 (PIA)--The government is accelerating the implementation of projects that will cater to the water needs of the city.

"We are committed to ensure that the water requirement will be undertaken by TFBM implementing agencies," Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) chairperson Secretary Eduardo del Rosario assured internally displaced person (IDP) leaders from Biyaya ng Pagbabago Transitory Shelter in Barangay Sagonsongan during the Kapamagusai (Talakayan) sa TFBM.

Inadequate water supply in transitory shelters is among the concerns raised by the IDPs during Kapamagusai.

TFBM Chief Secretary Eduardo del Rosario shares that once completed, the Salintubig of DILG will provide water supply not only in the Biyaya ng Pagbabago shelter sites but in the whole barangay of Sagonsongan. (PIA-ICIC)

"We are aware that basically, we could not supply adequate water but we are trying our best to provide within our capacity," noted Del Rosario who acknowledged that water supply is an important requirement in the rehabilitation of any disaster-stricken area.

The TFBM chief said he talked with officials of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and was informed that the bidding process will be completed this month and hopefully by May the groundbreaking of all LWUA projects in Marawi City will be undertaken.

In addition, the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig para sa Lahat (Salintubig) program of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is now ongoing. This will provide potable water to residents of barangays Sagonsongan, Mipaga, Emie Punod, Basak Malutlut, East Basak, Poblacion, and Moriatao Luksadato.

"By June or latest July, the Salintubig will be completed and that can supply water not only in the shelter sites but in the whole barangay of Sagonsongan," Del Rosario.

In the meantime, the National Housing Authority in coordination with the Marawi City Water District is rationing water to the transitory shelters.

The Kapamagusai (Talakayan) sa TFBM is spearheaded by TFBM's Information Management and Strategic Communication Support Group (IMSCSG) through the Philippine Information Agency and Radyo Pilipinas Marawi to give IDPs the opportunities to raise their urgent concerns directly to TFBM and its implementing agencies as well as the city government of Marawi. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)