North Cotabato speeds up construction of water systems amid dry spell

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines – With water sources here and in nearby areas drying up, the provincial government of North Cotabato said it has been speeding up the construction of water systems to ensure residents of safe supply of drinking water.

Among the water systems recently completed and turned over was the one built in Barangay (village) Perez here.

Allan Masibay, Barangay Perez chairman, said the water system has started benefiting hundreds of residents “making them safe from possible infections or diseases” especially during the dry season that, according to the city government, has already damaged some P7 million in crops.

“These are examples of concrete projects, which answer our basic needs here in the village. We thank the provincial government led by Gov. (Emmylou Mendoza) for looking into our village and for providing us what the people really need,” Masibay said.

The Metro Kidapawan Water District (MKWD) admitted that the dry spell was threatening the city’s sources of water and urged residents to reduce, reuse or recycle water.

Zaldy Alqueza, MKWD assistant manager, said some areas might experience a reduction in water supply as “majority of the spring sources of water in the city have been reduced by about 25 percent.”

Kidapawan is at the foot of Mt. Apo and the MKWD has always relied on natural sources to supply the city’s 126,000 residents and about 78,000 in nearby Makilala, North Cotabato.

The provincial governor’s office said the construction of the water systems would alleviate the problem on water shortage in villages.

Two similar projects had also been turned over to Barangay Libertad here and to Barangay Biangan in Makilala town.

Data from the provincial engineering office, which undertook the construction of the water systems, said the provincial government has spent P500,000 for the two projects.

In an interview with a local radio station here during the turnover of the water system to Barangay Libertad, village chairman Eladio Cac said residents had always found it difficult to find potable water and the situation worsened with the dry spell.

“Potable water is a primary need for us, especially the children to keep them away from sickness,” he said.

Mendoza said water systems were included in the list of priority projects of the provincial government.

She said on March 14, a water reservoir project worth P500,000 was also turned over to residents of the remote villages of Bagumbayan, Sallab, and Kinurum in Magpet town

“This is what the people need most and they have it now,” Mendoza said.

At least 12 other water system projects were being constructed provincewide, she said.

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