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The saltwater intrusion, officers say, is not only an issue – it will be a long-lasting one
BACOLOD, Philippines – The saltwater had crept in silently, affecting almost 400 households throughout three villages in Cauayan, Negros Occidental. For the locals, this was extra than simply an inconvenience – it was a disaster, one which shortly caught the eye and alarmed officers.
Behind the scenes, consultants pointed to a deeper situation. Years of over-extracting freshwater had drained the underground aquifers, leaving them uncovered. The stronger currents of seawater, as soon as held at bay, now surged inland, filling the void left by the lacking freshwater.
The saltwater intrusion, officers stated, was not only a drawback – it was going to be a long-lasting one.
The coastal barangays of Man-uling, Isio, and Poblacion are among the many affected areas, the place sources of consuming water have develop into severely saline, forcing residents to purchase potable water from neighboring barangays.
Native and well being officers have tried cures, however to date, with out success.
With no different choices, Cauayan Mayor John Rey Tabujara stated in a press convention on Wednesday, October 9, that the native authorities has created a technical working committee (TWC) to look into the issue for the sake of over 2,000 residents.
The TWC consists of representatives from the Cauayan Water District (CWD), and the workplaces of the engineer, well being, assessor, agriculture, and mayor.
The city authorities has utilized for a P90-million mortgage from a authorities financial institution to deal with the issue, in response to Tabujara.
He stated they’ve additionally tapped these with experience in water initiatives and applications to assist analyze and resolve the scenario.
“We have to tackle this saltwater intrusion by exploring viable options; in any other case, it’ll proceed to have an effect on our constituents within the three barangays,” the mayor stated.
Engineer Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya, provincial atmosphere and pure assets officer (PENRO), instructed Rappler on Thursday, October 10, that there is no such thing as a resolution.
“It’s the results of over-extraction of freshwater, which leaves the underground aquifers empty. Since seawater currents are stronger than freshwater from the mountains, saltwater intrusion is irreversible,” Gerangaya defined.
He stated the issue goes to be everlasting.
Well being Undersecretary Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral suggested Cauayan residents to keep away from consuming water from sources contaminated by saltwater intrusion.
“It’s a no-no to people,” Maestral stated.
She additionally warned that extended publicity to saltwater, akin to by each day bathing, might dry the pores and skin, and that extremely saline water used for family chores might corrode dwelling home equipment and different objects. – Rappler.com
