Zamboanga city: The city government has allocated PHP75 million to build a small water impounding dam to help address this city's recurring water shortage during prolonged dry spells or El Ni±o occurrences. Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), announced the allocation on Monday, stating that the dam is set for construction in Barangay Pasonanca to assist the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) in increasing its supply capacity during drought periods.

According to Philippines News Agency, the objective of this project is to provide a long-term solution to help the ZCWD cope with the scarcity of potable water every time the city experiences El Ni±o. The small dam is designed to collect and store water during the rainy season for use in the dry months.

Currently, the ZCWD is implementing a 12-hour water rationing due to a supply shortage, as it relies solely on surface water. The ZCWD manages a reinforced concrete weir or intake dam on the Tumaga River in Barangay Pasonanca, where the typical water level is 74.20 meters. The most recent measurement shows it at only 74.18 meters. Apolinario noted that the state weather bureau had warned of the possible emergence of El Ni±o beginning this month.

He stated that the City Engineer's Office (CEO) will be the lead implementing office for the impounding dam project, with support from the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR), CDRRMO, and ZCWD. Apolinario urged the CEO to fast-track the completion of the documentary and technical requirements to ensure the project can begin implementation immediately.

He added that the city government is also considering constructing additional small water impounding dams in Barangay Salaan and other upland areas to improve distribution coverage in underserved barangays.