DPWH 7 to Allocate Rainwater Catchments to Public Schools, Markets

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 will allocate funds to construct rainwater catchments in public schools and public markets to prevent floods, an official said.

DPWH 7 Director Ador Canlas said the funds for these projects are embedded in the annual budgets of district engineering offices and regional offices.

He said the public school buildings are identified by the Department of Education (DepEd), while the public markets and other areas are identified by the local government units (LGUs).

“So, we provide rainwater collectors to make sure that rainwater is collected to be used for other purposes aside from drinking and bathing,” Canlas said.

“If we will not collect the rainwater, it will definitely go to waste, and it will flow to the streets and cause flood,” Canlas said.

Canlas said market administrators may sell rainwater to fish vendors and meat shop owners whose stalls need regular cleaning.

The schools can use rainwater for their hand-washing facilities and toilets.

“Under this project, we can immediately achieve two things – save water and prevent flood,” Canlas said.

He said the DPWH also has its own small water impounding projects to create water supply and prevent flood.

“Cebu can actually get a share from this impounding project fund as long as the project location would not entail acquisition of costly road-right-of-way,” Canlas said. (PNA) SCS/EB/SSC