By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
On Friday (Nov. 22), a groundbreaking ceremony for the Level 3 San Mateo Water Supply System was led by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who represented Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and Bulacan 6th District Representative Salvador Pleyto Sr. Joining the event were DPWH Regional Office 3 Director Roseller Tolentino, Assistant Regional Director Melquiades Sto. Domingo, and Bulacan 2nd District Engineer George Santos.
“This project, initiated through the efforts of Congressman Pleyto, will facilitate low-cost distribution and eliminate the financial burden of residents in the area who currently have to pay [a] hefty amount for a drum of water,” said Undersecretary Bernardo, referring to the P93.59-million initiative designed to deliver safe and reliable water to upland communities in Norzagaray, Bulacan.
Upon completion, approximately 3000 households in Barangay San Mateo and neighboring Barangay Bigte will have access to potable water and benefit from resulting local economic growth through improved irrigation and incentivized income-generating activities.
The project is divided into three (3) critical phases with Phase 1 covering the project’s booster pump, transmission pipes, and a water tank that will provide water supply to Barangay Bigte; Phase 2 will expand the system with a second booster pump and another storage tank to bring water to additional areas, including San Mateo Proper and Sitio Compra; and Phase 3 includes the installation of a smaller booster pump and a third tank to distribute water to the remaining areas of Ipo Road and Ipo View Deck.
Also present at the groundbreaking held at the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Compound, Barangay Bigte, Norzagaray, Bulacan were Norzagaray Mayor Ma. Elena Germar and Vice Mayor Patricio Gener, acting MWSS Chairperson Elpidio Vega, acting MWSS Administrator Leonor Cleofas, and Norzagaray Water District General Manager Aimer Cruz.
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