DPWH to build rainwater harvesting facility in Busol

ENVIRONMENT MONITOR

Argyl Ctrus B. Geducos

BAGUIO CITY -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to construct a P139-million rainwater harvesting facility at the Busol forest reserve.

Engineer Edgardo Enriquez of DPWH-Cordillera said the rainwater harvesting facility project is part of their 2016 budget under the General Appropriations Act. It will be implemented in coordination with the city government of Baguio, and the Baguio Water District.

The proposed project is composed of two structure facilities namely Rainwater Harvest Facility I and II with project duration of 255 calendar days.

The DPWH said the project will be advertised for bidding as soon as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issues a tree cutting permit as there will be trees affected.

DPWH said the construction of these facilities is part of the government’s climate change adaptation program. It promotes water conservation to combat the diminishing fresh water supply due to over-extraction of groundwater, and water pollution.

Its benefits include enhancing and facilitating the recharging of aquifers/groundwater and spring sources for domestic and other uses. It will also serve as strategic small-scale structure for the prevention of soil erosion, soil nutrient loss, and flooding of low-lying areas.

The proposed project will also benefit 7,000 active customers of Baguio Water District or roughly 20 percent of Baguio residents.