P39M out for rainwater harvesting systems

PUBLIC Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson has directed DPWH field offices to hasten the construction of more rainwater collection system ( RWCS) units in far- flung public schools this year.

A total amount of P39 million has been allocated in 2012 to put up 547 RWCS units.

“We plan to double the number of schools with these facilities to address the lack of water supply in state- run institutions,” Singson said.

To date, the DPWH had already completed approximately 136 RWCS units, with 100 units expected to be added soon into the list.

The building of rainwater collection facilities is part of the government’s climate change adaptation program.

It promotes water conservation to combat diminishing freshwater supply due to over extraction of groundwater, water pollution, inefficient water infrastructure, and the El Niño phenomenon.

Last year, the DPWH distributed over RWCS plans to district engineering offices nationwide giving priority to schools that have no potable water services.

Likewise, the agency partnered with the Department of Interior and Local Government ( DILG) to ensure the implementation of the said program as well as the development of action plans relative to the RCWS for local government units.

Among the types of RWCS are: reinforced concrete ground storage tank with a capacity of 8,000 liters of water; reinforced steel ground storage tank with 4,000 liters capacity; plastic container tank with 4,000 liters; and a concrete stage storage tank with 60,000 liters capacity.