Despite rains from Ambo, Kidapawan water sources not expected to normalize amid dry spell

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato - Even if Mindanao is experiencing rains due to Tropical Depression Ambo, this does not mean the level of production of spring and ground water sources of the Metro Kidapawan Water District (MKWD) has improved, a company official said.

MKWD assistant general manager Engineer Sandy Alqueza said that the watershed where spring sources and ground water are located has to recover for two to three months after it was hit by dry spell since February. 

The level of production of MKWD remains at 54%, he said.

The reduction in the production was also caused by a limited number of functional facilities after many of these were badly damaged by strong quakes in October, according to Alqueza.

The MKWD has intensified its rotational water supply to ensure every concessionaire can avail of potable or safe water in a given time or schedule.

“Our biggest challenge are those residing in highly elevated areas. Mostly, they can avail of water supply during night time,” said Alqueza. 

Meantime, he also felt sorry that they have not received the loan they applied for at the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) worth P561 million allotted for construction of new water sources to cater to the increasing number of concessionaires.

The COVID-19 pandemic, according to Alqueza, has caused delay in the release of loan.

“We plead that the LWUA releases at least P50 million of the P561 million which the district will use to construct additional sources of water to increase our supply,” he stressed. 

Tropical Depression Ambo has yet to make landfall but its trough or extension is already bringing scattered rains over Mindanao on Tuesday.

PAGASA said it may raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over portions of Eastern Visayas on Tuesday. —KG, GMA News