For failure to secure permits to operate, seven water refilling stations in EB Magalona, Negros Occidental, have been closed, on orders of Mayor Marvin Malacon.
Malacon said they have found out that the seven water refilling stations have been operating from their start, without securing any permits from the local government units and concerned agencies, and the reason for closure is not because their water is contaminated.
During the meeting of members of the Local Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Committee, which was convened Malacon, it issued recommendations to address concerns on water safety and quality in EB Magalona.
Among the recommendations of the Committee were to monitor water safety in EB Magalona by conducting Colilert tests of water sources.
It also required all water refilling stations and food establishments in the municipality to secure sanitary and business permits, and identify sanitary inspectors per barangay to be trained by the Municipal Health Office for the implementation of the sanitation program.
Malacon said they are now requiring all water refilling stations in the municipality to subject their water samples to bacteriological testing with accredited laboratories of the Department of Health every month, with results to be submitted to the LGU.
Municipal Health Officer Dr. Edmund Janeo also held a meeting with the owners and operators of 19 water refilling stations operating in the municipality, to allay fears of consumers in the light of water safety issue after the town recorded a case of cholera last week.
When they pass the test for water safety, Janeo said the refilling stations are advised to post the laboratory certification on the façades of their stores.
(Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star (TVDS), photo courtesy of TVDS)