PHP376M Project to Provide Potable Water to 1,000 Families in 2 Villages in Cebu, Mandaue Cities

A PHP376-million project will provide potable water taps to more than 1,000 families in two villages in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue.

The project, called the “Tubig Pag-asa,” is a joint project of Vitens Evides International (VEI), a Dutch non-government organization (NGO); Eau et Vie or E&V Water and Life Philippines, a French NGO, which initiated the Tubig Pag-asa concept; the Red Cross; the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD); and the local governments of the cities of Cebu and Mandaue.

The beneficiaries of the five-year water supply project are residents of Lower Sto. Nino, Barangay Inayawan in Cebu City and Lower Tipolo, Mandaue City.

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), through its Sustainable Water Fund (SWF), is funding PHP208 million or 55 percent of the PHP376-million project.

VEI project manager Patrick Egan said The Netherlands contributed USD5 million to their projects to provide potable water to the needy.

The partnership was initiated in June 2014 and the project began last January 2015.

E&V Country Manager Stephane Drouillard, who supervises the Inayawan and Tipolo water projects, said they now have 388 service connections in Lower Tipolo, Mandaue City.

About 60 to 80 families more will also enjoy water from Tubig Pag-asa once their relocation site becomes ready.

Under the project, E&V also targets to serve 500 to 600 families in Inayawan, Cebu City.

Noel Dalena, acting MCWD general manager, said MCWD will install the water pipelines and split the cost, 50-50, with Tubig Pag-asa.

Under the Tubig Pag-asa system, each beneficiary will pay PHP5,000 for the service connection, materials and labor.

They will pay on installment every day for 18 months. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS