By Alice E. Nicart

Borongan, Eastern Samar (31 October) -- Either President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo or a typhoon can restore the depleted water reservoir of the Borongan Water District (BWD).

This was the seemingly desperate comment of Mrs. Elvira Aboy Orca, a senior staff of BWD in an interview with PIA. Orca laments that previous moves to stop illegal logging in the 15- hectare perimeter of the water reservoir have been fruitless which today has rendered damage to the water- consuming public.

Complaining public feel exasperated over the six days "dry spell" in practically the entire Borongan town and nearby barangays. The reservoir is situated in the upstream of barangay Can-abong, some 15-minute drive from poblacion. Orca said that the water level has actually gone to its lowest that not even the continuous rain could even replenish the water sufficiently for public use.

Orca added that the area has to be declared "Water Shed" to stop the illegal logging in the area and it needs a Presidential declaration to stop the "kaingineros" who have continued to log. Observations have it that some business establishments in town have benefited the illegal activities of the kaingineros at the expense of the entire public. Others say that business establishments, bakeries have likewise enjoyed the benefits of the trees ever neglecting some social responsibilities.

It was during the Estrada term when efforts to declare the "Water Shed" was on its momentum; unfortunately, he was suddenly unseated in the process of deliberation and since then, no efforts have been leveled up nor heard.

Another serious condition which adds up to the problem is the present leak affecting some six meters of the pipe along barangay Taboc and Alang-Alang boundary. It was revealed that a group of DPWH maintenance crew could have called their attention prior to their excavation work so they could have more or less prepare the main pipe along that area.

When the crew repaired the portion, only one lane sustained the daily traffic in that busy highway which eventually rendered damage to the BWD pipe. Upon inspection, a replacement of the pipe will have to be done but again the dresser coupling, which is an essential part of the pipe and which is made of asbestos is not available in the region but in Manila.

Efforts to order the important gadget have been done so far, and if Orca's estimate could be true the consuming public will have to bear the scarcity for one week more. The lady officer is likewise hopeful that DENR PENRO and regional office will not waver in their effort to call the attention of Her Excellency, President Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo in declaring the15-hectares within the perimeters of the BWD as "Water Shed"