The City Government of Zamboanga has allocated P75 million for the construction of a small water impounding dam to address recurring water shortages during prolonged dry spells or El Niño phenomena.
Long-Term Strategy for Water Security
Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, chief of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), announced on Monday, June 1, 2026, that the impounding dam is part of a long-term strategy to tackle water scarcity during the dry season. The structure will be built in Pasonanca village to enhance the supply capacity of the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) during drought periods.
The project aims to provide a sustainable solution to help ZCWD cope with the shortage of potable water whenever the city experiences El Niño. The dam is expected to collect and store water during the rainy season for use during droughts.
Current Water Rationing and Conditions
Currently, ZCWD implements a 12-hour water rationing due to supply shortages, as it relies solely on surface water. The district operates a reinforced concrete weir or intake dam on the Tumaga River in Pasonanca village. The normal water level is 74.20 meters, but the latest reading shows it has dropped to 74.18 meters.
Apolinario noted that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) had warned of the possible onset of El Niño, underscoring the urgency of the project.
Implementation and Coordination
The City Engineer’s Office (CEO) will lead the implementation of the impounding dam project, with support from the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR), CDRRMO, and ZCWD. Apolinario urged the CEO to fast-track the completion of documentary and technical requirements to ensure the project can begin immediately.
