A P15-million fund from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been allotted for a bulk water supply project for the towns of Panglao and Dauis.

According to Provincial Administrator Alfonso Damalerio, the government is eyeing the Abatan River in Cortes as water source for the project.

He said that water companies will be tapped to direct water from the river to local waterworks systems which will distribute the supply to consumers in both towns.

Currently, only the town of Corella provides water to both Dauis and Panglao but the municipality has been failing to meet demand due to the rising number of consumers in Panglao Island.

Damalerio noted that Gov. Edgar Chatto has ordered hastened implementation of the project as preparation for the completion of the New Bohol Airport in Panglao which is expected to draw more tourists.

However, concerned offices are still awaiting the approval of several processes before the project is implemented.

Prior to the announcement of the initiative, Damalerio admitted that water supply in both towns remains insufficient amid the continued tourism growth and entry of big-ticket projects in the area.

He said that the government continues to receive complaints from residents regarding the lack of water supply in both Panglao Island towns. (Allen Doydora)