DCWD say water supply normalized by next year

By Anthony S. Allada
With two more bypass lines to be installed to temporarily replace collapsed transmission lines, water supply in the city will normalize by next year.
This according to Imelda Magsuci, spokesperson of the Davao City Water District, in clarifying that the installation of the additional 400-mm diameter steel pipeline on Friday until Saturday would not be enough.
“No, not yet because it is only 800-mm against the 1,350-mm that collapsed. We need to add two more pipelines on bridge 1 (Generoso Bridge),” Magsuci explained.
She said they are alternating the installation of steel pipelines per week and schedule water interruptions in selected areas so that water supply may be available in days without water stoppage.
On December 21-22, the first 400mm bypass line was installed after the Department of Public Works and Highways approved the DCWD’s application to install steel pipelines on the bridge as replacement for the collapsed transmission lines.
On Friday night until Saturday afternoon or a 20-hour water interruption is again scheduled for the installation of another 400mm bypass line.
Acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado said this 400mm bypass line will be laid on top of the already laid pipe.
“Although these 400mm bypass lines may not restore normal water supply in affected areas, specifically downtown, Agdao, Obrero, Bajada, Lanang and Sasa, they will already be of considerable help,” he explained. According to the feedback from DCWD’s call center, some customers have already felt improved water supply after the first 400mm bypass line was laid.
Regalado said the DCWD will be adding a 750mm bypass line which will be laid early next year.
“With three bypass lines temporarily replacing the collapsed transmission lines, we may be able to normalize water distribution in all affected areas,” Regalado said.