Murcia extends 20-km waterlines to waterless sitios

Murcia Mayor Gerry M. Rojas, Vice-Mayor Johnny P. Reosura and the Sangguniang Bayan Members officially turned over recently PhP5 million worth of water services expansion projects to different sitios in the municipality.

“Murcia is blessed with abundant water resources. We will work hand in hand with the Murcia Water District headed by Chairman Edwin Patenio and General Manager Winston Makilan to provide, as much as possible, easy access to clean and potable water for all Murciahanons,” said Mayor Gerry Rojas.

“This project demonstrates how cooperation between the local government and other sectors, like the Murcia Water District, can bring more benefits to Murciahanons. We will continue this close collaboration with the water district and other sectors, so that we can provide more services to all Murciahanons,” added Mayor Rojas.

Engr. Paul G. Oňas, head of the MWD Engineering & Operations Division, disclosed that the water extension project spans 20.5 kilometers of waterlines to 14 waterless sitios in Barangays Talotog, Abu-abo, Buenavista, San Miguel, Iglau-an, Caliban, Alegria and Cansilayan.

“Our officials and all employees in the Murcia Water District are extremely grateful to Mayor Gerry Rojas for funding this project. Without funding from the local government, it would have taken the MWD a longer time to implement these expansion projects,” said Engr. Earl Wenssy Bernales, head of the expansion projects.

Remelyn Jardin, head of the MWD Admin, Commercial & Finance Division, said that about 500 families (2,500 persons @ five members per family) are benefitted by this project. With the extension of water services to these 14 sitios, the residents can now apply for water connection with the MWD, she added.

“The Php3,500 application and deposit fee for water service connection is prohibitive. Most poor families cannot afford it. To address this concern, I have requested Murcia Water District officials to consider granting an installment scheme, so that it will be easier for Murciahanons to avail of water services,” Mayor Rojas said.* (PR)