Master Plan for City Drainage/Sewage Sought
May 16, 2015
BAGUIO CITY – A comprehensive master plan and sufficient funds is needed for the total rehabilitation of the city’s drainage and sewage system, and later, a specific office and technical staff to oversee and monitor its operations.
This was the collective view presented at the city council last week, with the newly-appointed Councilor Lilia Yaranon now a member of the Public Works and Social Services committee.
Meeting members of the council during the regular session were City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) head Cordelia Lacsamana, Water Wastewater Ambience Management Division head Engr. Moise Lozano, Engr. Alexander Castaneda of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), City Engineer Elpidio Garabiles, City Building and Architecture Officer (CBAO) Engr. Brigida Ancheta, and Engr., Candido de los Santos of the Health Services Office (HSO).
Recommendations were given by WWAMD head Engr. Lozano after a composite team’s walk-thru in the main drainage tunnel along T. Alonzo street.
The composite team was created last April by an administrative order “to inspect the drainage and sewerage networks in the city of Baguio, and submit its report and recommendation to the city council.”
Engr. Lozano made it known that the city has a complementary prewar and drainage done in the 80s which serves key areas in the city. Recommendations include the rehabilitation of both drainage and sewerage lines, with constant monitoring to prevent leakages, clogging and illegal connections.
A re-piping of lines, an estimated 5.2 km., is needed, Lozano said.
The tunnel upslope should be corrected by the (DPWH) with the installation of security gates, storm drainage inspection manholes with ladders for access, he said.
A database of permitted and non-permitted structures, including waste water and storm water connection should be available at the City Building and Architecture Office (CBAO), it was also recommended.
The tapping of overflow from septic tank to drainage canals or bodies of water should be strictly prohibited, with permit and regulatory system for connection to a storm drainage for a fee.
Earlier it was reported that the waste water treatment facility treats more than its capacity of 8,000 cubic meters daily. New and complementary water treatment facilities are recommended, including the use of new technological methods to accommodate bulk wastewater, Councilor Peter Fianza said.
Councilor Isabelo Cosalan, Jr. said the profile of the old and new lines should be properly integrated with the rehabilitation plans.
City market wastewater treatment facility is being reiterated to treat all waste water generated within the market prior to discharge into the drainage system. A CBD integrated plan is being considered, it was known.
A meeting with big business establishments disposing of big volumes of waste and sewerage water is being scheduled, it was known. Inspection walk-thru at the City Camp Lagoon and other tunnels are also in the offing. A representative from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (/DENR) shall also be invited.
Desludging of septic tanks should be done after four to five years, and information on proper waste water disposal should be done, Lozano further said./Julie G. Fianza
