The Iloilo City Government has begun deploying static tanks to barangays experiencing water scarcity in preparation for water delivery.
“We have started the deployment of static tanks in Hinactacan (La Paz) and Calaparan (Arevalo), and this afternoon in City Proper areas,” General Services Office head Niel Ravena said in an interview.
Along with Calaparan and Hinactacan, also affected by water scarcity are Barangays Zamora Melliza, Rizal Pala-Pala I, San Jose, and Veterans Village, all in the City Proper district.
Subject for validation and close monitoring by the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center are the villages of Sooc, San Isidro, and Legazpi.
Ravena said they are also trying to arrange with the bulk water supplier to start the water delivery on Friday, May 22.
He said that based on the survey they conducted with the City Environment and Natural Resources and the City Health Office, the water supply in 10 barangays is within the critical level.
The City Disaster Risk Assessment has identified 25 barangays as vulnerable to water scarcity, and 11 percent of their total population is affected, Ravena said.
The affected villages are mostly in the waterfront and coastal areas that are dependent on shallow wells for their domestic use.
Ravena said they will meet next week to make another assessment because there is a possibility that the number of barangays and individuals affected would increase.
He said agencies will assess whether there is a need to declare a state of calamity, look into the capability of the local government to respond, and discuss the water distribution and supply should they need to supply water for the 25 barangays.
“The city government has 54 static tanks, enough to provide at least two for each barangay. A static tank has a capacity of 2,000 liters. When needed, there are private partners that are willing to augment,” Ravena said.
“Bulk water supplier Flowater has also informed the city mayor that they are willing to provide free water.”PNA
