Solon eyes task force to solve SJDM water woes amid El Niño

Following the directive of President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. to prepare for the effects of El Niño, government officials in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan vowed to address concerns regarding the city's longstanding issue on water supply.

In a press release, Congresswoman Florida Robes said she was inclined to create a task force that would focus on solving the water supply issues in the city.

''Ang task force na ito ang direktang makikipagugnayan sa water service provider at District Water upang masiguro ang sapat na tubig para sa mga residente. Si Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na mismo ang nagutos na dapat maging prayoridad ang mga proyektong may kinalaman sa tubig bilang paghahanda sa El Niño,'' Robes said.

(This task force will directly coordinate with the water service provider and the District Water office to ensure sufficient water supply for residents. President Bongbong Marcos himself directed the prioritization of water-related projects as part of the preparations for El Niño.)

Likewise, Mayor Arthur Robes vowed that the city government would enforce measures that would address residents' concerns over having a clean and sufficient water supply, especially given the El Niño threat.

''Bilang paghahanda para sa inaasahang epekto ng El Niño, tinitiyak ng lokal na pamahalaan ng San Jose del Monte, Bulacan na tutugunan nito ang pangangailangan ng mga residente sa malinis at sapat na suplay ng tubig sa lungsod,'' Mayor Robes said.

(As part of the preparation for the effects of El Niño, the local government promises to address the needs of residents on enough and clean water supply.)

The President earlier called on all concerned agencies to prioritize the completion of water supply projects amid the El Niño phenomenon.

The President, who also ordered the creation of Task Force El Niño, urged the private sector to collaborate with the government in addressing the country's water supply challenges.

Meanwhile, in November, the city government of SJDM met with representatives of the group Alyansa ng Maralitang San Joseño to discuss measures that will address water concerns of the city’s residents.

Local officials are aiming to look into the water woes raised by the group, such as concerns on supply brought about by unforeseeable interruptions as well as the hefty cost of water supply from water service providers. — DVM, GMA Integrated News