DPWH to build 187 rainwater collectors in Western Visayas

More than a hundred rainwater collectors that aim to mitigate flooding and fulfill the ever-increasing demand for water supply in Region 6 is under way. 

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allocated P37.4 million for the implementation of 187 rainwater-collection system (RWCS) projects in Western Visayas.

The rainwater collectors shall conform to the prototypes prescribed by the DPWH, such as the reinforced ground storage tank with a 4,000-liter capacity, reinforced steel ground storage tank with a 4,000-liter capacity, and plastic container tank and concrete storage tank with a 6,000-liter capacity.

The RWCS shall be installed within the premises of public markets and public elementary schools with no existing water supply or where the source of water is limited.

When harvested, the rainwater can also be used for several agricultural and environmental purposes.

This year, P700 million is earmarked for the nationwide implementation of the RWCS.

This is in compliance with Republic Act 6716, also known as “An Act Providing for the Construction of Water Wells, Rainwater Collectors, Development of Springs and Rehabilitation of Existing Water Wells in Several Barangays.”

The RWCS projects are being monitored by the United States Agency for International Development (Usaid) for their climate-change adaptation.