BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio Water District (BWD) is thankful to the national government for the rehabilitation of the rainwater catchment basin at Mt. Santo Tomas in Tuba, Benguet province with the help of the fund granted by the Office of the President (OP), the firm’s general manager said on Monday.
Engr. Salvador Royeca said the OP granted the request of BWD to rehabilitate the facility, the fund for which was downloaded to the Department of Public Works and Highways Cordillera (DPWH-CAR) for implementation.
“As of the moment, it (rehabilitation work) is now 80 percent completed. This will cater to the needs of the consumers especially during the dry season,” he said.
Royeca said included in the scope of work was the improvement of the structural stability by adding peripheral fence, which in effect increased the carrying capacity of the catchment basin.
He said the basin serves as storage for rainwater which they treat and distribute to some parts of Baguio City for household consumption.
The catchment basin is located in Sto. Tomas, the highest mountain located in Tuba, Benguet, adjacent to Baguio.
Royeca said BWD had been maintaining the facility for decades and it was helpful in storing rainwater for their needs, thus the decision to rehabilitate it and maximize the utilization of the structure.
He explained that during summer season, the water level in the different pumping stations of BWD is lowered, affecting the supply in the city. It is during this time when the water stored at the catchment basin in Sto. Tomas becomes helpful as an added source for the consumers of Baguio.
Royeca said that the completion of the rehabilitation is expected either on the last week of February or middle of march. (PNA)
