TACLOBAN CITY-The Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO) of the Department of Public Works (DPWH) installed the rainwater collection system (RCWS) in six strategic locations in the district.
The installation of the RCWS is in line with Republic Act 6716, otherwise known as the “An Act Providing for the Construction of Waterwells, Rainwater Collectors, the development of springs, and the rehabilitation of existing water wells in several barangays in the Philippines,”
District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura identified the areas as Liwayway Elementary School and the New DPWH L2DEO office, both in MacArthur, Leyte.
In Barugo, the same facility would be installed at the San Roque Elementary School, Ibag Elementary School, and Roosevelt Elementary School.
“Government schools, offices, public markets, and rural health facilities with limited access to potable water are the top priorities for this project. Water collected from roofing facilities is stored in the tank and can be used for sanitation and other appropriate uses,” Oppura.
The government promotes water conservation through this project in order to mitigate the declining freshwater supply due to excessive groundwater profiteering, water pollution, inadequate water infrastructure, and climate change.
Each RCWS cost P2.3 million which involves structure excavation, concrete works, reinforcing steel, roof drains with strainers, and the installation of a stainless-steel water tank of approximately 4,000 liters with plumbing accessories.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
