1 month ago
17
CEBU CITY — To repair a defective discharge valve that has been in use for over 100 years, the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) will release 20,000 cubic meters of water from the Buhisan Dam into the Kinalumsan River.
The valve issue has disrupted the dam's ability to replenish the Tisa filter plant, prompting the need for immediate repairs.
The discharge valve, installed in 1913, regulates water flow to the Tisa filter plant in Barangay Tisa.
The MCWD said the repair will require emptying the dam with water which currently blocks access to the faulty valve.
MCWD spokesman Minerva Gerodias explained that the issue became evident when the dam could no longer replenish the Tisa plant's pond.
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She also said the repair necessitates releasing the stored water and will be conducted through two pipes on the side of the dam.
Gerodias assured the public that the release would be gradual and well-controlled to minimize any impact on nearby communities.
In collaboration with the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), MCWD has prepared safety measures for the operation.
CCDRRMO chief Retired General Aderson Comar stated that his team inspected the dam, which has a depth of 14 meters, to monitor the water flow and ensure it does not overflow into nearby areas.
MCWD said the water discharge would only create visible flow in the Kinalumsan River and would not pose a threat to residents.
Gerodias also said residents nearby have been reassured that the operation is safe but swimming or holding water activities in the river is prohibited while water from the dam is being released.
MCWD clarified that the repair would have a minimal effect on water supply, as the Buhisan Dam only accounts for 5 percent of the district's daily production of 310,000 cubic meters.
The affected areas, including Tisa, Buhisan, Labangon and the other neighboring barangay, are currently receiving water from alternative sources.
Gerodias said that MCWD's rerouted supply has prevented water shortages in the affected areas.
She also highlighted that restoring the dam's operation is important because water from the dam is less expensive to process than groundwater, which relies on electricity for pumping.
Aside from addressing the defective valve, MCWD will desilt the dam to remove sediment that has accumulated over time, improving its storage capacity. The agency added that this is the first time the valve is repaired since its installation in 1913.
Gerodias emphasized that this long-overdue repair is critical for ensuring the dam's continued operation. She added that these efforts demonstrate MCWD's commitment to maintaining an affordable and reliable water source for Cebu City residents.
MCWD urged the public to stay updated on the project and to share concerns if needed. The agency has reaffirmed its focus on safety and efficiency throughout the process.
As one of Cebu's oldest and most important water facilities, the Buhisan Dam remains a vital part of the city's infrastructure. Restoring its efficiency through valve repair and desilting ensures its role in addressing the water needs of a growing population.
