Bacolod City – The perennial problem of saltwater intrusion into the water system managed by the local government unit of Cauayan, Negros Occidental, may soon be over.
Mayor John Rey Tabujara revealed that 400 to 500 households in poblacion barangay, Isio and Tiling in Cauayan, are facing problems on the lack of potable water due to saltwater intrusion in deep wells.
At the same time, Tabujara reported in the discovery of coliform bacteria in 20 of the 100 deep wells tested in the town.
The rehabilitation of the water system is among the priorities set by Tabujara in his second term as mayor of Cauayan.
To address the lack of potable water, Tabujara said he is seeking the cooperation of the newly elected members of the Sangguniang Bayan, in order to secure a loan of P50 million to P100 million from the Development Bank of Philippines.
He reported that a feasibility study has already been done on the rehabilitation of the town water system, eyeing spring water sources, or through the water purification process of reverse osmosis.
Tabujara said rehabilitating the water system will also generate income generating for the municipal government, since he expects more residents to avail of its services.
Tabujara said he is looking into the start of the water system rehabilitation by early next year. (Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star (TVDS), photo courtesy of TVDS)
