By Xander Ledesma
Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has expressed openness to a public-private partnership (PPP) to construct dams in the city’s mountain barangays. This move is aimed at addressing the growing water demand and mitigating the impact of saltwater intrusion on the city’s groundwater supply.
The city currently faces a significant water shortage, with demand exceeding supply. This has led to increased reliance on groundwater, which in turn has contributed to saltwater intrusion.
Garcia emphasized the importance of water conservation and sustainable water management. He noted that the city loses a significant amount of rainwater due to the lack of adequate water storage infrastructure.
The proposed dam project would help capture and store rainwater, which could then be treated and distributed to residents. This would not only alleviate water shortages but also reduce the need for groundwater extraction, thereby mitigating saltwater intrusion.
The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has also been exploring alternative water sources, such as desalination, to address the city’s water supply challenges.
However, the construction of dams and the implementation of desalination projects require significant investments and technical expertise. A public-private partnership could provide a viable solution to accelerate these projects and ensure their sustainability.