Seventy-five households in Barangay Sinuagan, Pototan, Iloilo now have access to sufficient and potable water supply through a faucet right inside their houses.

The water supply emanates from the newly-inaugurated Sinuagan Water System that was established by Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. to address the problem on water in the area.

Defensor graced the water system’s inauguration and turn-over at the Brgy. Sinuagan covered gym on April 20, 2018.

Michelle Laru-an, a resident of Brgy. Sinuagan, said prior to the establishment of the water system they had a hard time looking for sources of water especially during summer months and they usually fetch water a few kilometers away from their houses.

Defensor allotted a budget of P1,289,000 for the construction and establishment of the water system with a deep well as source.

The Sinuagan Water System Association headed by its president Marietta Saladar was formed to sustain the operation of the water system.

Saladar said the association imposes a membership fee of P300 and installation fee of P200 to those who want to connect to the waters system.

They are charging their members P180 for the minimum of five cubic meters and P10 per cubic meter for the excess consumption.

Saladar said they are looking at expanding their water system by installing additional water tank and distribution lines in order to reach more residents.

Punong Barangay Gorgonio Linterna said the water system is “a dream come true” for his people. He noted that the Sinuagan Water System has passed the water analysis and bacteriological examination conducted by a reputable water testing laboratory in Iloilo City, thus, it was given a certificate of potability by the municipal government of Pototan.

Defensor said he understands how important water is to the lives of the people that is why establishment of water systems especially in far-flung barangays has always been his priority. (Erly Garcia/Capitol News)