MANILA, Philippines- Dapat mahigpit na ipatupad ng local government units (LGUs) sa buong bansa, partikular sa Metro Manila, ang water conservation measures upang maiwasan ang supply interruptions sa gitna ng matinding init at epekto ng El Niño phenomenon, base sa Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Inihirit ito ni Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. sa patuloy na pagbaba ng water level sa Angat Dam, kasalukuyang nasa 182.15 metro— bahagyang mataas lamang ng dalawang metro mula sa minimum operating level na 180 metro— batay sa pinakabagong ulat ng Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration.
Bilang tugon, ipinalabas ni Abalos ang DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2024-065, na nag-aatas sa local chief executives at barangay captains na regular na i-monitor ang “water meters and immediately report leaks to concerned water service providers.”
“LGUs must see to it that all government offices have separate water meters to monitor water consumption and possible leaks easily. Main building water pipe valves must be shut down from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., and building administrators must regularly check for leaks and faulty fixtures especially in toilets,” pahayag ng DILG chief nitong Miyerkules.
“LGUs are also encouraged to promote and maximize rainwater harvesting in government facilities or water catchment systems in residential areas to collect and store water for cleaning and other non-potable uses,” dagdag pa rito.
Gayundin, sinabi ni Abalos na inaaasahang magsasagawa ang LGUs ng “information, education and communication campaigns on water conservation measures” to raise public awareness, advising them to use the budget from their local disaster risk reduction and management fund for these activities.
Gayundin, pinayuhan niya ang publiko “to store and re-use rinse and laundry water to clean floors, flush toilets, water the plants, and other activities” at “to use a washcloth, ‘tabo,’ and bucket instead of water hose to clean vehicles.” RNT/SA
