MCWD rehabilitates Jaclupan water source

THE Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) invested more than P2.4 million to prevent an 800-millimeter diameter pipe from collapsing that would cause water service interruption for about a month to most parts of Cebu City.

Engr. Jorge Gabriente, manager of the Pipelines Maintanence Department South of MCWD, said the pipe that crosses Maghaway River in Jaclupan, Talisay City carries water from the Jaclupan water source to the reservoirs in Lagtang and Tisa. It has been there since 1995 and was buried in the riverbed.

However, because of illegal quarrying activities in the area, the soil and gravel were drained revealing the big pipe.

This year, it was found that the pipe was already hanging about two meters above the ground and was even used as a “bridge” by people living in the area in crossing to the other side of the river.

Gabriente explained had the pipe collapsed, water will not go to the two reservoirs and could affect the supply in most parts of the city.

Since restoration works would take about a month, the affected areas will also experience water service interruption during this period.

Engr. Nenito Otero, vice president for projects of Geotransport, said they encased the pipe with blocks and cemented it to prevent future exposure.

Gabriente said MCWD will write to Jaclupan barangay captain Joel Orbiso as well as the Talisay City government, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to ask these agencies to stop illegal quarrying activities in the area.