THERE MAY be no stopping Cebu from growing economically, but business leaders said government officials must address the problem of water supply, which they consider as a “red flag.” Philip Tan, past president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) described the state of supply as “a disaster” and said, “Water is an urgent call… Cebu’s biggest challenge is water.” MCCI President Stanley Go agrees, saying a stable water supply should be a top priority for government given the rosy economic outlook for the province. Mr. Go cited that hotels are continuously being built or about to open, more tourists deciding to live in the province, more workers migrating from other provinces, and all segments of the real estate industry growing. Water technology expert Antonio Tompar said Cebu can access many solutions to the problem of water supply if it does not allow political power play to get in the way of things. Mr. Tompar, president of bulk water supplier Mactan Rock Industries Inc., (MRII), said Cebu is suffering from water scarcity because it is sourcing largely from ground water, which is already dried up and polluted. “Surface water is the answer,” he said. Officials should also consider other alternatives like treating water from rivers and creating water catchment dams for rainwater. “There are now technologies which can be treating surface water,” Mr. Tompar said, adding, that water desalination cost is even much cheaper now with the advent of new technology. — The Freeman

>> See the full story on the Cebu business sector outlook on (https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/bottom-article-list/2020/01/02/1981207/infra-must-support-economic-growth-cebus-challenge)

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR