City Council approves Septage Management Ordinance
- Source:http://palawan-news.com/city-council-approves-septage-management-ordinance/
- Monday, February 22, 2016
- By Raymond Almodal
After more than a year, the City Council of Puerto Princesa finally favours Puerto Princesa City Water District (PPCWD) to implement Septage Management in the city through an ordinance authored by Councilor Gregorio Roy Ventura which has been approved for third and final reading in the latest session of the legislative body.
It is recalled that since 2012, the City Water District is already pushing for the management of septic tank’s waste disposal as it threatens our ground water sources. “We need to ensure water quality, in a way it is safe for drinking”, said PPCWD General Manager Antonio Jesus R. Romasanta.
He likewise ensures the readiness of the Water District for septage management since 2012 but lacks the police power. “I am happy that finally, with the approval of the said ordinance, we will have the capacity to do so,” he added.
The PPCWD’s mandate for septage management is according to section 5(b) of PD No. 198 (Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973) which says “ Local water district may be formed pursuant to this title for the purpose of (b) providing, maintaining and operating wastewater collection, treatment and disposal facilities. It is also supported by Section 8 of R.A. No. 9275 (Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004) “In the case of HUCs, non‐HUCs and LGUs where water districts, water utilities and LGU waterworks have already been constituted and operational, the water supply utility provider shall be responsible for the sewerage facilities and the main line pursuant to PD No. 198 and other relevant laws.”
Meanwhile, according to City Councilor Roy Ventura, the septage management program will help the city in terms of environmental protection, proper waste water management, sanitation and water quality management.
The author compared that we will spend less if Water District will manage the program rather than availing the service of a private company for desludging. “If private, we will spend more or less Php7, 000, but with PPCWD, we will only spend Php 3,500 or even less”, Ventura pointed out.
Ventura said that the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for this ordinance will be immediately prepared for the PPCWD to kick-off the said program in the city.