MCWD to release 20000 cubic meters of water to facilitate repairs at Buhisan Dam

Local

THE Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) is finalizing preparations to release 20,000 cubic meters of water from the Buhisan Dam to repair its century-old discharge valve.

MCWD spokesperson Minerva Gerodias clarified to MyTV Cebu that the release remains on hold as workers clear blockages from the dam's discharge pipes, including mud, rocks, and debris.

She said that no exact date has been set for the operation’s completion, and updates will be provided as progress continues.

The valve malfunction disrupted water flow to the Tisa filter plant and prompted this extensive operation. The dam’s water must be drained gradually to access and repair the damaged component, in use since the dam’s construction in 1913.

MCWD assured the public that safety measures are in place. The agency is coordinating closely with the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), which previously assessed the dam’s depth at 14 meters and designed protocols to prevent risks to surrounding communities.

Retired Gen. Aderson Comar, CCDRRMO chief, emphasized that his team would monitor the water release to ensure it remains safe and controlled, eliminating any risk of flooding or danger to nearby residents.

The Buhisan Dam currently provides 5 percent of MCWD’s daily water supply of 310,000 cubic meters. Despite reduced output caused by the valve issue, MCWD is addressing the needs of affected areas, including Tisa, Buhisan, and Labangon, by relying on alternative water sources.

MCWD stressed the importance of restoring the dam’s functionality, citing its cost-efficiency compared to electricity-reliant groundwater sources. Along with the valve repair, the desilting of the dam will also be conducted to improve its storage capacity by removing accumulated sediments.

The agency acknowledged the significance of the repair, which has been long overdue but remains critical to ensuring the dam’s continued operation.

Residents are advised to monitor further announcements while MCWD works to complete the repair process, which will strengthen the dam’s role in providing a sustainable and efficient water supply for Cebu City.

As one of Cebu’s oldest water facilities, the Buhisan Dam remains a key component of the city’s water system, and its restoration will help meet the increasing demand for water resources.(MyTVCebu)