Sorsogon City is composed of three districts: West, East and Bacon. Years ago, the West District was considered the most problematic of them all in terms of water supply. Hence, most of the SCWD water supply infras-tructures, engineering interventions, improve-ment projects and monitoring activities were focused on the West District. The concerted efforts of SCWD, PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. and Abejo Waters Corp. yielded positive results. This was validated in the recently concluded satisfaction survey where the West posted the highest satisfaction rating at 65%, more than double than that of the previous year’s figure. It is expected to increase further with the steady and consistent water supply now.
As of this writing, however, considerable areas in the East still have to contend with intermittent water supply on top water quality issues. The SCWD Board and management recommended and in fact demanded for three (3) major water supply infrastructures: (1) Water Source Development at Sitio San Lorenzo; (2) Rehabilitation of Burabod Tank in Bacon; and (3) Restoration and Optimization of Cabid-an Pumping Station.
It is good to note that PrimeWater already delivered the project Restoration and Optimization of Cabid-an Pumping Station, having installed a new pump and motor and replaced GI riser pipes with PPR on June 24, 2021. The works also include the adjustment of the setting and rating of pump and motor. The 25 hp rating is now 50hp while the setting is now at 83 meters from 48 meters. Latest data available reflects 1,500 cmd output, far cry from the more or less 600 cmd posted for the past three years.
Rehabilitation of Burabod Tank will come next. It is being expected that before the third quarter of this year ends, the said project will be completed. This will benefit the Bacon District and will have a tremendous positive effect on the East.
The San Lorenzo Well Development is the biggest of them all. SCWD already facilitated the acquisition of the No-Objection Resolution from Brgy. Bibincahan, paving the way for PrimeWater to develop the well. Geo-resistivity survey was already conducted by Primewater, consequently proper and strategic location of the well was identified. Presently, Primewater is working on the acquisition of the lot thru Lease Agreement where the well will be located. Government permits are also being secured. The well is expected to be completed before the year ends.
With all objectivity, PrimeWater is now aggressively filling the gaps for a sustainable and sufficient water supply in the city. After all, its water rates increase application, deferred by the new SCWD BOD, is heavily, if not totally anchored, on the quality and quantity of water for the ciudadanos we vowed to serve and protect.