Workers have started constructing a solar-powered Level 2 water system in Barangay Bolo of Tiwi, Albay, in a bid to end their water scarcity woes. (Photo from Ako Bicol party-list)
MANILA, Philippines — A barangay in Tiwi town, Albay may see the end to their water scarcity problems as a Level 2 water supply facility powered by solar energy is being constructed according to Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co.
Co said on Monday that Barangay Bolo in Tiwi is aimed at providing residents a better quality of life, especially since they have suffered long enough — having to contend with fetching water from other nearby communities like Barangay Libho and carrying filled-up water containers on foot.
“This project is a testament to our commitment to the welfare and development of our constituents. By addressing the long-standing water challenges in Brgy. Bolo, we are fostering a better quality of life for the residents and contributing to their overall well-being,” Co said in a statement.
“We are grateful for the cooperation and support of the community as we work towards creating positive change together,” he added.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), a Level 1 water system may be a “protected well or a developed spring with an outlet but without a distribution system,” which can be used by an average of 15 households.
Level 2 water systems on the other hand, PSA says, is a water facility with “a source, a reservoir, a piped distribution network with adequate treatment facility, and communal faucets.”
“Usually, one faucet serves 4 to 6 households. Generally suitable for rural and urban fringe areas where houses are clustered densely to justify a simple piped system,” PSA said in an entry on its website.
“The definition was modified with the inclusion of the underlined phrase ‘with adequate treatment’ to emphasize that source of water supply has passed the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water,” it added.
Co has been pushing the use of solar power in delivering water to residents, saying that it is a model that can be used nationwide. Last May 16, Co said that the possible water shortage due to the looming El Niño season can be addressed in this manner, which is also environmentally friendly. With reports from Kirsten Segui, INQUIRER.net trainee
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