MANILA, Philippines - The Maynilad Water Services, Inc. on Friday said it has completed a P156-million pipe-laying project in Manila's Sampaloc district, which is foreseen to end water woes of residents who have been used to poor water services.
In a statement, Maynilad said more than 37,000 residents from 33 barangays in the district can now enjoy a 24-hour supply of potable water.
The project, which involved the laying of a total of 20 kilometers of new pipelines, covers the area bounded by España Boulevard, A. H. Lacson, Legarda, C. M. Recto, Quezon Boulevard and Lerma, Maynilad said.
Aside from installing newer water pipelines, Maynilad also said it is increasing water pressure in the area to ensure a 24-hour water service in these areas.
Before the replacement of old pipes in the area, the supply of water to residents came intermittently and at the low pressure, forcing residents to use booster pumps to be able to have access to water.
But in some cases, improperly installed pumps have affected water quality as it sucked in contaminants from leaks and illegal connections in the pipelines.
Noong araw, kung wala kang pump dito ay wala kang tubig (Before, you wont get water if you dont have a pump)," shared 85-year-old Anghelina Benedicto.
For her part, bakery owner Alma Jose, another resident who benefited from the water program, also lamented the water problems that they had to endure for seven years. "Siguro mga seven years din naming tiniis ang ganitong mga problema sa tubig (For about seven years, we have put up with these water problems)," she said.
Ngayon lang naman nabago Pinalitan nilang lahat ng tubo dito. Sana tuluy-tuloy ang efforts na ganito (Now, it has changed after they replace all t he pipes here. I hope efforts like this will continue)," she added.
Benedicto said that they finally have flowing water in their faucets and get to even enjoy the luxuries of a shower.
Ngayon kahit walang pump, may tubig nang tumutulo sa gripo. Sa lakas ng pressure, pati shower may tubig na rin (But now, we get to have water even without pumps. We can now even use our showers because of the stronger water pressure)," she said.
She also noted the double treat that they got out of the water rehabilitation program, saying that it has not only given them a 24-hour water service but has also greatly reduced their electricity bills.
Laking tipid din sa kuryente dahil hindi na kami gumagamit ng bomba (We also get to save money after we totally abandoned using electric-powered pumps)," she said.
- GMANews.TV