Residents of Barangay Pamilacan in Bacalayon continue to be hounded by the longstanding water shortage in the island-village which has deprived them of adequate amount of water to meet even their basic needs.

The scarcity of water has been affecting 300 families living on the island located 14 kilometers off mainland Baclayon, while the problem has reportedly intensified as temperatures remain regularly high in the area.

Residents cross the sea toward the mainland to fetch water almost every day as rainwater, which the villagers supposedly depend on, remain insufficient.

According to reports that reached DYRD Balita, the local government unit (LGU) of Baclayon during the previous administration purchased a desalination system which would remove salts and minerals from seawater.

However, the machine has not been utilized due to the lack of energy capacity to supply it with power needed to operate.

According to Baclayon Mayor Beny Uy, the desalination machine has been on standby for three years and has not been used to aid residents of Pamilican who are in dire need of water.

Uy said that the LGU spent almost P4 million for the said project which would have supposedly augmented water supply in the island.

He noted that the project will be revived, but the LGU would have to inspect the machine’s condition and determine the required voltage needed for its operation.

In the meantime, the LGU said that it will build more tanks in the island to collect rainwater pending the revival of the said project. (Allen Doydora)