Cebu City taking steps to ensure steady water supply amid extreme heat

Local

WITH temperatures soaring across the country, leading to class suspensions in several areas, Cebu City is stepping up efforts to address water scarcity and ensure residents have access to a stable supply.

Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has ordered urgent interventions, particularly in mountain barangays where water shortages are a recurring issue.

Garcia has directed the City Agriculture Department to accelerate measures to support communities facing low water pressure.

The city government is acquiring six new water tankers to supplement existing resources and plans to distribute 2,000-liter and 4,000-liter container tanks in strategic locations.

In the most affected areas, particularly Barangays Sudlon 1 and 2, Garcia has ordered the immediate deployment of water tankers to ensure residents receive sufficient supply.

The mayor also emphasized that he is prepared to suspend classes in Cebu City if extreme heat continues to pose health risks to students, aligning with decisions made in other parts of the country where schools have already been forced to cancel in-person classes.

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has assured the public that Metro Cebu’s water supply remains stable at 300,000 cubic meters per day.

However, increased consumption due to the hot weather has led to reports of low water pressure, particularly in elevated and interior areas of Cebu City and Talisay City.

Affected barangays in Cebu City include Inayawan, San Roque, Mambaling, Bulacao, Duljo Fatima, and Tagunol, while in Talisay City, Dumlog, San Isidro, and Pooc are experiencing similar issues.

MCWD spokesperson Minerva Gerodias said the agency has water trucks on standby to assist areas in need, following the same contingency approach used during the 2023-2024 El Niño.

She also highlighted the role of desalination plants in Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City, which convert seawater into potable water and remain unaffected by seasonal dry spells.

Residents are advised to store water when pressure is strong and practice conservation measures to prevent further strain on the system.

The extreme heat has already forced class suspensions in various parts of the Philippines.

On March 3, local governments in Metro Manila and six other districts preemptively suspended classes despite a forecasted temperature of 33 degrees Celsius.

Urdaneta City later implemented a similar measure, canceling classes from March 11 to 14 due to the extreme heat.

Garcia earlier stated that he is prepared to suspend classes in Cebu City if temperatures become too harsh for students.(MyTVCebu)