Well runs dry for Ilocos Norte jail; faucets in Bangued have water only at night and before dawn

Hot weather and the lack of water are twin woes hounding inmates of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Jail these days, GMA News TV's "Balita Pilipinas Ngayon" reported on Thursday.

 

GMA Ilocos' Manny Morales reported that the well from which the prison gets its water has run dry.

 

As this developed, living conditions in the jail cells have worsened as rising weather temperatures that come with the onset of the dry season have amplified congestion problems.

 

One inmate said his asthma had worsened because of the heat inside the already crowded cell, where two inmates have to share a bed.

 

There are about 230 inmates at the jail.

 

"Masyado kaming marami dito sa brigada kaya ang init," said an inmate.

 

Bangued

 

Over in Bangued, Abra, the water district has noted lower water supply as water flows from the faucets only at night and before dawn, so residents have to wake up early to save water for the whole day's needs.

 

The Bangued Water District said it gets its water from a single source to supply 8,000 households.

 

"Ideally 7,000 lang ang connection na pwedeng  bigyan ng tubig pero ngayon umaabot na ng 8,000," said general manager Leanida Balbin.  — Joel Locsin/ELR, GMA News