Proposed centralized Metro Cebu sewage system to start in Mandaue

Local

MANDAUE City will serve as the starting point for a proposed centralized sewerage system designed to address wastewater pollution and improve water quality across Metro Cebu.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership with Hydronet Consultants, identified the city as the most viable location for the project's initial phase following an assessment of environmental impact, financial viability, land availability and the local government's receptiveness.

Stakeholders gathered in Mandaue on Thursday, Oct. 29, for the presentation of the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) covering the Mandaue Service Area. The project's Record of Discussions was signed in April 2024.

The proposed centralized sewerage treatment facility will occupy a portion of the Mandaue Green Learning Center Park in Barangay Umapad, with the city government expected to provide the land for its construction.

IEE consultant Dr. Danilo Jaque said the absence of a centralized wastewater treatment system has allowed untreated domestic waste to flow into drainage networks and eventually contaminate creeks and rivers.

“That reflects that we do not have a proper treatment system. Ngayon para ma-cover na lahat, dapat i-collect na lang yan sa isang sewerage line that goes to a treatment facility,” she said.

The long-term proposal aims to establish a sewerage network serving eight local government units, extending from Compostela in northern Cebu to Talisay City in the south, including the Mactan islands.

For the initial phase, four Mandaue barangays have been identified as priority areas: Maguikay, Alang-Alang, Ibabao-Estancia and Casuntingan.

The proposed main sewer pipelines will pass through UN Avenue, Plaridel Street, M.C. Briones Street and M.L. Quezon Avenue.

Deguchi Yosuke, water department manager of Phikkoei International Inc. and a Japanese consultant for JICA, said Cebu currently lacks a centralized sewerage network serving the entire city, although some establishments already operate modular wastewater treatment facilities.

Consultant Joan Jaque said the system could help improve water quality once households and businesses connect to the network and their wastewater undergoes proper treatment.

“If everybody connects to it and everything will be treated, that’s the goal,” she said.

The complete Metro Cebu sewerage system could take around 80 years to develop, while the initial Mandaue phase is estimated to require seven to eight years.

The proposed network will handle wastewater from domestic, commercial and industrial sources.

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District, which received a grant from JICA for the study, currently serves as the project's executing agency.

The next steps include preparing a master plan and conducting a feasibility study to establish the technical requirements, financing arrangements, potential funding sources and agency that will oversee construction.

During the consultation, the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed support for the initiative, citing the city's industrial activities and concentration of commercial establishments as reasons for a centralized treatment system.

However, the business group called for clear guidelines on how companies with existing wastewater treatment facilities could connect to the proposed network.

Department of Public Works and Highways Central Visayas Maintenance Division Chief Engr. Faustino Dela Cruz Jr. also sought access to the project's engineering design and layout once the master plan is completed.

He said this would allow the agency to coordinate with project proponents, particularly on pipeline sections that could pass through national roads and highways under its jurisdiction.

For the city government, City Planning and Development Office head Architect Marlo Ocleasa welcomed the proposal and expressed hope that Mandaue could begin implementing the pilot project.

“We are hoping to implement this pilot project,” Ocleasa said.

Jaque said project proponents would consider the concerns and recommendations raised during the stakeholder consultation as preparations continue.

“Everybody understands that there is really a need for this kind of project. It’s just a matter of educating people for a better appreciation of the project and for them to see the benefit of this,” she said.(MyTVCebu)