More than P5 million worth of water service expansion projects were turned over to different sitios in Murcia, Negros Occidental, by the town officials recently.
“Murcia is blessed with abundant water resources. We will work hand in hand with the Murcia Water District headed by Chairman Edwin Patenio and General Manager Winston Makilan to provide, as much as possible, easy access to clean and potable water for all Murciahanons,” Mayor Gerry Rojas said in a press release on Sunday, Feb. 16.
“This project demonstrates how cooperation between the local government and other sectors, like the Murcia Water District (MWD) , can bring more benefits to Murciahanons. We will continue this close collaboration with the water district and other sectors, so that we can provide more services to all Murciahanons,” Rojas said.
Paul G. Oňas, head of the MWD Engineering and Operations Division, said the water extension project spans 20.5 kilometers of waterlines to 14 waterless sitios in barangays Talotog, Abu-abo, Buenavista, San Miguel, Iglau-an, Caliban, Alegria and Cansilayan.
“Our officials and all employees at the Murcia Water District are extremely grateful to Mayor Gerry Rojas for funding this project. Without funding from the local government, it would have taken the MWD a longer time to implement these expansion projects,” Earl Wenssy Bernales, MWD expansion projects, head said.
Remelyn Jardin, MWD Admin, Commercial and Finance Division head, said that about 500 families or 2,500 persons at five members per family, are benefitted by this project.
With the extension of water services to these 14 sitios, the residents can now apply for water connection with the MWD, she added.
“The P3,500 application and deposit fee for water service connection is prohibitive. Most poor families cannot afford it. To address this concern, I have requested the Murcia Water District officials to consider granting an installment scheme, so that it will be easier for Murciahanons to avail of water services,” Rojas said.*