PUERTO PRINCESA CITY (PIA) — The Canadian Embassy has offered potential collaboration and the introduction of modern technology to the operations of the Puerto Princesa City Water District (PPCWD), aimed at further improving the quality and reach of water services for consumers in the city.
According to PPCWD spokesperson JB Juanich, the two parties discussed various opportunities for collaboration during the Canadian Embassy’s visit to several offices in Puerto Princesa City.
One of the technologies the embassy intends to introduce is an underground leak detection system, which could help speed up the identification and response to water leaks and reduce water losses.
“Sa ngayon ang titingnan ay budget kung kakayanin ni PPCWD ang budget na posibleng magamit sa technologies na pwedeng magamit sa service sa Puerto Princesa” [At present, what is being considered is whether PPCWD’s budget can support the possible technologies that may be used to improve services in Puerto Princesa],” Juanich said.
Through the Trade Commissioner Service of the Government of Canada, the embassy also expressed interest in participating as a consultant for the Sta. Lucia Water Facility and the Irawan Dam projects.
Juanich noted that this could help PPCWD obtain more in-depth and technical recommendations to strengthen its long-term service plans.
The two infrastructure projects are part of PPCWD’s long-term sustainability strategy, which focuses on ensuring adequate water supply, especially during the dry season and prolonged El Niño periods.
Aside from Canada, Juanich shared that the Japanese government had previously expressed interest in providing similar technical assistance for the city’s water services.
“Makakatulong ang mga technology para ma-improve ang tubig at services natin sa Puerto Princesa—kailangan pa rin ng improvement para sa services na pwede mabigay na PPCWD” [“Technologies can help improve our water quality and services in Puerto Princesa—there is still a need to further enhance the services that PPCWD can provide],” he added.
PPCWD also aims to expand its service coverage to reach other barangays in the city that are still not connected to the water district’s system.
Juanich believes that continued improvements in PPCWD’s services should correspond to the expectations of consumers, including the amount they pay in monthly water bills.
Meanwhile, PPCWD entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Pili Paninap Farms and Development Corporation for the free use of a 300-square-meter portion of the Lasyaw Property in Barangay Bahile, which will serve as the site for an infiltration well.
The agreement was signed by PPCWD General Manager Walter Laurel and Anthony Ferrer, a representative of the corporation. Under the MOA, the free use of the land will be valid for 50 years.
In addition to the infiltration well, the site will also house other facilities such as a pumping station, reservoir, and pipelines, which are expected to further strengthen water supply and distribution in the city.
Via: Diario De Manila
