Zamboanga City to change zone of protected area into impounding dam

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The city government is rezoning a portion of the Pasonanca Protected Area to pave the way for the construction of a water impounding dam.

The project is meant to help ease the recurring water problem in the area during prolonged dry spells.

Gerry Pollisco, chief of the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources, said in a Thursday statement that the rezoning is among the requirements set by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) for the construction of the dam within the Pasonanca watershed.

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The city government has allocated P75 million to build a small water impounding dam to help the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) increase its water supply capacity during droughts.

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“The rezoning process is necessary because the area where the impounding dam is being proposed forms part of the protected watershed, which is covered by environmental protection laws and regulations,” Pollisco said.

He said the PAMB has issued a clearance for the project, subject to the condition that a specific portion of the protected area be rezoned to legally permit the development.

The Pasonanca Protected Area is vital to this city’s environmental sustainability, as it plays a crucial role in water conservation, biodiversity protection, and flood mitigation.

Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said the small impounding dam is intended to collect and store water during the rainy season for use in the dry months.

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He noted that the objective of the impounding dam project is to provide a long-term solution to help the ZCWD cope with potable water scarcity during prolonged droughts.

The ZCWD is currently implementing a 12-hour water rationing due to a supply shortage, as it relies solely on surface water. /apl

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