DCWD eyes June desludging tests for septage plant

GALLEN RAY CANILLO/UM Intern

THE DAVAO City Water District (DCWD) announced that its 100-cubic-meter septage treatment facility is now 92-93% complete, with desludging tests set to begin around June.

“We’re targeting that around June, pwede na ta maka-test sa maong planta [septage treatment facility],” DCWD spokesperson JC Duhaylungsod said in a press forum when asked about updates on the project.

Duhaylungsod explained that septage samples from identified government facilities, starting with public parks, will be collected as part of the step.

“Part of the testing para mahibal-an nato ang electro-mechanicals and equipment are properly working, we have to do the actual desludging. So, manguha gyud ta sa mga identified nga mga septic tanks, and we’re targeting government-owned facilities, starting with parks,” said Duhaylungod.

After the trial, the firm will proceed with full commissioning and, eventually, the full operation of the plant.

Duhaylungsod then declared that sanitation services will follow once the plant becomes completely functional.

“If that [septage treatment facility] is already fully operational, then we will already start with the sanitation services,” Duhaylungsod noted.

The desludging activities will be done in scheduled intervals to avoid simultaneous waste discharge, starting in nearby barangays like Indangan, Cabantian, and Panacan.

In 2010, the Septage and Sewerage Management Ordinance of Davao City was signed, requiring all septic tanks to be discharged every five years or when their volume is already half their capacity.

Duhaylungsod also urged public cooperation, saying that septage treatment ensures the safe release of treated wastewater.

“That’s the reason why ang pinaka importanteng component sa atong proyekto is the septage treatment facility. Didto nato ilabay [septage] para before nato i-dispose balik sa waterways, limpyo na sya—di na sya makadaut,” she explained.