Rain barrels ease water woes in Marawi relocation site

LANAO DEL SUR, Philippines – The government gave rain barrels to families in temporary shelters in Barangay Sagonsongan in Marawi City to help ease water problems here.

The barrels collect rainwater that residents may use to flush toilets. The water could last for 15 days if the barrel is filled up, according to residents.

Rappler reported in April how families staying in the government relocation site have to cough up cash for their daily water needs. (READ: Marawi family pays P100 for water daily in gov’t relocation site)

The rain barrels were delivered a few weeks later, according to the residents.

“Nagpapasalamat kami. Malaking tulong ang drum (We are thankful. The drum is very helpful),” Cacadia Ala Macaagir, 84, told Rappler when we returned on May 22.

Macaagir’s family previously paid P100 for water daily. She expects to save money when the rains come after summer.

The government is working on a permanent solution to connect the shelters to steady water supply. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) promised to step in.

“May program ang DILG. Nagpapatubig sila sa selected areas. Ang gagawin nila, magbubutas din sila pero malapit sa Agus River. Then i-pump nila papunta sa mga bahay,” Assistant Secretary Felix Castro Jr, manager of the Task Force Bangon Marawi Field Office, told Rappler.

“They could start by June,” Castro added.

Ideally, water in the temporary shelters would be supplied by deep wells. But contractors have been digging to no avail.

– Rappler.com