Dauis Mayor Miriam Sumaylo on Wednesday said that the local government unit (LGU) is not taking any chances with the cleanliness of its waters amid controversy on coliform contamination in waters off the neighboring resort town of Panglao.
According to Sumaylo, Dauis started preemptive efforts to keep its waters pristine through close monitoring of the town’s beaches.
The LGU coordinated with resorts and hotel owners to ensure that policies particularly in the availability of a waste water management facility in the establishments are enforced, Sumaylo said.
She noted that there are currently 16 hotels and resorts in the town and three of these have no sewerage treatment facilities.
The resort operators have already been told to comply with the policy or face shutdown of their businesses, she added.
“Dili nata mohatag ug permit to operate kung wala silay waste water treatment facility,” Sumaylo said.
The Dauis LGU also expressed intent to participate in the cleanup drive along Panglao Island’s coast led by the Environmental Management Bureau on March 6.
Last month, the town of Panglao made national headlines after its waters, particularly in the Alona area, were found to be contaminated with coliform bacteria.
The lack of waste water facility was cited as among chief causes of the contamination.
The issue has drawn the attention of the national government including that of Boholano National Economic Development Authority director general Ernesto Pernia.
Pernia said that he and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu will be visiting Bohol to assess environmental conditions of resorts in the province and their surroundings.
He warned erring resort operators that they will be facing shutdown of their establishments if proven to be violating environmental laws.
“Kahibaw ka nga ang Presidente karon is serious. Gusto niya action agad. Gusto namo nga inig anha namo dinha ni Sec. Cimatu and basin apil si Sec. Eduardo, gusto namo nga magmeeting mi sa local government officials and resort owner, at saka wa nay kinahanglan kasab-an pa, i-admonish or i-charge nga local official,” Pernia said. (AD)