Loboc-Loay Water drips at long last

THERE were gushes of air and then water finally dripped into some faucets as the Loboc-Loay Water Work System unclogged and disentangled personal motives to make the system operational, May 11. The flow came several years and after critics have started calling the system another white elephant that has wallowed in the pristine ecosystem of the Loboc Watershed.

It was Third District Congressman Eladio Jala who was instrumental in the final operationalization of the system, insiders said. Last May 11, the committee to whom the proponents favored finally turned the gate valves and allowed water to flow, years after the water system was built and pronounced completed.

In some areas earlier designated to avail of the water service, the water simply could not reach because of the clogs that have accumulated in the pipelines. During the meeting called by Cong. Jala aboard the floating restaurant in Loboc, the local government officials of the two towns and the group who wants to take hold of the project discussed the mechanics of the operation of the system.

The committee was composed of members of the Loboc-Loay waterworks committee and of the corporation that was composed to take over and control the operation of the system. At the meeting, Cong. Jala suggested that the system be turned over to the committee until such a time that the court shall have resolved the case filed by former Congressman Zarraga, whose funds erected the waterworks system. The committee meeting was also attended by Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan, Vice Mayor Artemio Delfin and Loay Mayor Leonides Tongco and Vice Mayor Tiburcio Jr.

Also in attendance were DPWH-III project Engr. Vicente Gaviola and Loay Municipal Planning and Development Officer Mario Soyman. The committee also decided to call on another meeting to discuss the business operation of the system. Operating the waterworks system entails an operator and superintend and casual employees of LGU Loay who will be responsible for the maintenance. LGUs pay the unpaid Boheco I bills.

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