“People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient, then repent.”
– BOB DYLAN.
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Metro Manila and 24 provinces are alarmingly warned that drought will hit these areas next year when El Nino sneaks in, PAGASA declared recently.
I find this warning a paradox as the metropolis is already reeling from waterless conditions.
Eleven hours of water interruption has been both announced by Maynilad and Manila Water to their concessionaires as the water levels at Angat Dam and other sources are at their lowest.
This is as dolorous as climbing Mt. Everest (or Mt. Apo, to localize the irony) because water is life.
This is no laughing matter as the integrity and capability of the national leadership to provide the needs of the citizen is put under the lens of public scrutiny.
This is not the first time water interruptions came upon residents of Metro Manila. I think every now and then – with exasperating regularity – the smooth flow of water in hopisehold pipes and faucets has been off and on.
Despite this “sickening” development, for decades, Metro Manilans have become inured to the unpleasant circumstances even if the water concessionaires have been found wanting as far as rendering A-1 service is concerned.
The irony and tragedy are that when Metro Manila residents expectedly need water for their daily needs – just like now – there is no adequate supply that flows through the water pipes,.
Rain water instead come descending from the skies whenever tropical storms and typhoons hit the metro one after the other, flooding the streets knee deep and sstalling vehicular and passengere traffic.
You probably wonder why the national government has no permanent water generation and distribution template at all because the same problems arise year after year after year.
If you ask me, Metro Manilans should brace and prepare themselves for worse things to come.
(As of 2020, MM, encompassing an area of 619.57 square kms., has a population of 13,484,462.)
Why?
Because from all indications, the national governament has not been judiciously exercising its oversight supervision over the two water concessionaires who blame the water level at the Angat Dam as the culprit for the resulting water interruptions.
And then they call on citizens to use and save water judiciously as the precious commodity may be running out.
If my memory serves me right, there was a press release to this effect several year back when threats of a water shortage was about to happen.
It’s like the same circumstance where operators and drivers alike threaten the Establishment of a transport strike when their “plea’ for a fare hike is denied or there is inaction on the part of the government agency.
May citizens of Metro Manila unite and denounce the inept services of the two water concessionaires who are said to be raking in billions in profits, year after year regardless if there is water flowing through household pipes and faucets.
Metro Manilans (for that matter, all Pinoys) can survive without electricty but not without water.
How come only Metro Manila is hounded by water lack while many urban areas in the Visayas and Mindanao are not?
This is as good time as any for LGUs outside MM to take note because if they are not wary and conscious about conditions of governance and living, the enormous problems and social diseases of NCR may descend upon them in due time.
Sometimes, if you look back, you ponder seriously why the government allow private companies to take charge of public utilities.
Previous studies and expert analyses and observations determined that citizens were not getting what they deserve from the government due to its slow and inefficient delivery of social services.
Then, government did not mind if a water leak has not been repaired for years because none of the employees and managers cared because they were not personally affected.
Government nonchalance and mismanagement maybe leading us towards the edge.
Save that drop of water. You may need it – five or ten years from now. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com). GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
