MACCII offers solutions to water shortage in AC villages

ANGELES CITY — The Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Incorporated (MACCII) has offered long-term solutions to the water shortage problem in two villages here.

Water conservation, preservation of watershed areas, and the use of technology like the ram pump were among the solutions raised during the business chamber’s meeting with environmentalists and residents of the two affected villages – Sapangbato and Margot.

Former Councilor Louie T. Reyes, head of the Green Youth Brigade, said the city council declared

the two barangays under state of calamity following the water crisis which affected more than 20,000 residents.

About seven trucks are supplying residents in the two villages, according to Reyes. “Although there is still water coming out of the faucet, the water pressure is so weak,” he said.

MACCII members learned that the villagers suffer because of the water shortage, Reyes said.

“There is really disruption in their daily routines. ‘E baling kawalan kang kuryenti, ‘e mu sana danum (It’s okay to have no electricity but not water),” he added.

The Angeles City Water District (ACWD) is currently constructing a pumping station in Barangay Sapangbato for the two villages but this will take about four months, according to Reyes.

“Four months is too long for 20,000 people needing immediately safe and clean water,” he said.

The MACCII members, led by their president Arni Valdez, also suggested short-term solutions like the donation of mineral water to the villages, Reyes said.