Disaster czar raises alarm on conflicts over water supply

DUE to scarcity of water as a result of the dry spell, conflicts over water have emerged in some areas in the province, said Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reducation and Management Office (PDDRMO) chief Baltazar Tribunalo III.

“There really are disagreements because of water shortage,” he said during the Kapistorya sa Kapitolyo forum yesterday.

He cited an incident in Medellin town, where a woman who was suspected of stealing water from a private well was stabbed. He also cited an incident in Oslob town, but did not elaborate except to say that it was “managed in time.”

Tribunalo urged everyone to respect and understand each other in these times.

“Water supply has really decreased. I myself saw the situation in our mountains areas. I couldn’t help but cry,” Tribunalo said in Cebuano.

The Cebu Provincial Rapid Assessment Team went around the province to assess the impact of the El Niño phenomenon.

On top of the dwindling water supply, the team also noted damage to crops, such as zero germination, stunted growth, wilting of plants. Some crops could not be harvested.

Tribunalo said irrigation systems were also drying up, especially in Talisay, Carcar, Balamban, and Asturias. Bush fires have also been reported.

Based on the team’s initial assessment, Tribunalo stressed the immediate need to develop alternative water sources in different municipalities.

In the south, he said the availability of freshwater sources could mitigate the impact of the dry spell. But water catchment and impounding facilities need to be built. In the north, Tribunalo said water desalination is more feasible especially in towns starting from San Remigio because saltwater is more abundant than freshwater.

He said two non-government organizations (NGOs) have expressed willingness to lend their water desalination trucks, which can be transferred from one place to another. Operation Blessing International Relief and Development Corp. – Philippines is set to lend its water desalination facility to Barangay Lipayran in Bantayan while the Church of Latter-Day Saints intends to lend a similar facility to Barangay Kinatarcan in Sta. Fe.

Other recommendations made by the team were rehabilitation of water systems and water rationing. Tribunalo also asked the Church and NGOs to assist those affected.

Tribunalo said they will consolidate all the information they have gathered during their three-day assessment. A report will be presented to the Provincial Board on Monday.