Zambales town under water emergency over chronic supply failures

SUBIC, ZAMBALES — A state of water emergency has been officially declared in this town following chronic service failures that have left residents and local businesses without reliable access to water.

Mayor Jonathan Khonghun on Friday, May 15, personally inspected local pumping stations to verify the status of emergency response measures.

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Khonghun earlier formalized the declaration through an executive order, citing recurring water interruptions, low water pressure, delayed service restoration and mounting public concern.

While facilities operated by PrimeWater and Village Water were found to be back in operation during the inspection, Khonghun made it clear that functional operations must be sustained.

He issued a stern warning that the local government will not hesitate to take over operations should there be another failure or prolonged shortage affecting the community.

Under Khonghun’s executive order issued on Monday, May 11, several emergency protocols have been activated to mitigate the immediate crisis.

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All municipal water tankers, fire trucks, and heavy equipment ang other logistical assests have directed to assist in the emergency delivery and distribution of water to critically affected barangays and areas experiencing severe water shortages.

The local council has also been directed to begin the legal, technical, and administrative groundwork for a potential government takeover of the existing private water facilities and operations in Subic.

Furthermore, the local government unit is also authorized to coordinate with national agencies, including the Local Water Utilities Administration, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the National Water Resources Board in addressing the municipality’s supply crisis.

The severe water shortage has transcended mere inconvenience, now posing a critical threat to public health and sanitation, specifically impacting households, schools, and health centers.

The ongoing deficiencies have also disrupted local business operations and essential government services, compromising the fundamental right of residents to safe and adequate water.

Local authorities have assured the public that emergency augmentation and strict monitoring will continue until a dependable water supply is fully restored across all communities. /dp