Malabon City Mayor Antolin “Len Len”  Oreta III has urged water concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water to increase supply to residential areas.

Oreta said the water companies can divert to residential areas potentially unused water due to closure of malls and other commercial establishments following the imposition of an enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila.

“With malls closing down or operating at shortened hours, water supply can be diverted to residential areas,” said Oreta.

Oreta said this move can help our citizens in fighting COVID-19, since the Department of Health (DOH) has underscored the importance of proper handwashing and personal hygiene.

As early as last year, various cities in Metro Manila such as Malabon have been experiencing water interruptions due to heavily managed water supply, posing challenges to frequent hand washing as a preventive measure against COVID-19.

“We appeal to the humanity of our water concessionaires, and help us in the fight against this pandemic. In these trying times, continuous water supply is crucial for our survival,” Oreta added.

On March 16, the President ordered an enhanced community quarantine of the whole of Luzon, with strict home quarantine in all households, suspension of transportation, and regulation of food and essential health services.

Malabon City Sangguniang Panlungsod has since enacted a resolution limiting the operating hours of malls and other similar commercial establishments, and another resolution declaring a state of calamity in Malabon to facilitate quick response to the ongoing pandemic. /Stacy Ang