THE government must be prepared to address the possibility of a trickling water shortage following reports of a slight dip in the water level in Angat Dam.
Senator Grace Poe said that supply shortage in the midst of a pandemic is unthinkable, especially when handwashing is one way to avoid catching the virus. Continuity of critical water services is essential to all aspects of life, health and livelihood.
The government regulator and private concessionaires, said Poe, should nip the problem in the bud before it becomes a crisis.
Households and industries should step up as equal partners in conservation and efficient use.
“We need to closely monitor the implementation of our national water programs and projects, as well as initiatives to tap other water sources to ensure stability of supply. We should not always depend on heavenly mercies of better rainfall or tropical depression bringing in rains,” said Poe.
The franchise renewal of the two major water concessionaires in the country that the Senate earlier approved carries with it immense challenge of providing better water services and embarking on long-term goals to address supply scarcity and equitable access.
Water shortage should not be a way of life. We expect reforms in water governance and infrastructure the way the Filipinos deserve this basic utility as an essential human right, the senator added.
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