Various groups slam state of 
calamity declaration for Iloilo

“Is there really a crisis or is it politically motivated?”

This question was raised by Bayan Panay members amid a protest rally in front of the Iloilo City Hall Thursday after the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) last Wednesday declared the city under state of calamity due to water shortage.

Reylan Vergara of Bayan Panay and Panay Alliance Karapatan said that the city has been experiencing water shortage since 2008, when Typhoon Frank hit.

So, with the water problem being experienced for years already, he asked what really triggered the mayor to suddenly ask for a declaration of a state of calamity just recently.

“Bangud bala nagahilapit na lang ang eleksyon? (Is it because the election is nearing?)” he asked.

With the declaration, the city government can now use five percent of its P70-million calamity fund set for 2012.

Vergara said that instead of placing the city under a state of calamity, the city should have made long term solutions on the water problem.

“The declaration is not a major solution to the problem, there must be a long term solution,” he noted.

Vergara also urged the city government to pressure FloWater, the bulk water supply contractor, to solve the water crisis.

He said the city must support the Metro Iloilo Water District in improving its facilities, especially the transmission lines which are eyed as reason for water waste.

He added that the opposition of the group on the proposed declaration is not to criticize the present administration but to raise their concern.

He further denied allegations that their group is connected with mayoralty candidate Rommel Ynion, who recently provided Iloilo City residents with free water supply.

Vergara alleged that it was Jeffry Celiz, the political liaison officer of Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog who spread a text message accusing their member, Maura Bellon of receiving bread from Ynion.

AFFECTED VILLAGES

Based on the records of the MIWD submitted to the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, of the 56 affected villages; 23 are from City Proper district, 10 from Jaro, eight from Arevalo, seven from La Paz and four each from Molo and Mandurriao.

Of the affected villages, only 14 have access to water tankers of the MIWD.

WATER DELIVERIES

Meanwhile, because of the declaration, the City Social Welfare and Development Office is now finalizing its plan to distribute water to the waterless barangays starting Dec. 8, 2012, Saturday, according to a press release from the Iloilo City Hall Public Information Office.

Mabilog said a total of 50 water deliveries each day direct to the barangays will be conducted by trucks carrying some 2,000 liters for each delivery.

However, water delivered direct to the barangays is only good for washing, bathing and cooking and must not be used as drinking water.

Drinking water will be provided by the barangays as they are also allowed to use their own calamity fund.

Mabilog admitted the water delivery assistance is only a palliative strategy.

If needed, deliveries will be extended next year using the new calamity fund of 2013.

He said he is still looking forward to a short term water project through the MIWD with its bulk water project assuring an additional 25,000 cubic meter per day through the pipelines.

MIWD has buried new pipes in 2007 at the cost of some P200 million and this will be tested when the bulk water supply project be completed early next year.

A long term water project is expected to take off after the completion of the P11.2 billion Jalaur River Multi Purpose Project by 2016.

The project is envisioned to deliver an additional 35,000 cubic meters of water per day in the city and province of Iloilo.

But, Vergara said, the city residents could not wait for the realization of the Jalaur Multipurpose Project.

“We need water now. Every household must have enough supply of water. We could not wait for 2014,” he said.*