Mayor Ricky Gonzalez of Valencia, Negros Oriental, reacting to mounting complaints from his constituents, said the town is doing its best to expedite the restoration of water supply to households, commercial and public establishments in the town.

At least 90 percent of the population still has little or no water supply, after “Sendong” triggered flashfloods that cut off major water distribution lines.

Gonzalez said the major water source of the town is in Maiti that takes at least six hours walk to reach.

Gonzalez said he has asked the Philippine Army for help to hasten the delivery of construction materials there.

Valencia has pegged the rehabilitation of the town’s Waterworks System at P70 million.

Tanker trucks from the Valencia fire department and volunteer fire brigades have been refilling water at the Dumaguete City Water District to provide water in Valencia.

Gonzalez has appealed to his constituents for understanding and patience.

He also appealed for them to be innovative, and take such steps as collecting clean rain water for household requirements, like laundry and cleaning.

Valencia town has been the hardest-hit by “Sendong” in Negros Oriental, with infrastructure damage estimated at more than P274 million to rehabilitate.*JFP

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