Non-Infantahin challenges the wisdom of Laiban
It appears with respect to Mr. Neal Cruz column / article on Wawa and
Laiban dams which was published in MIF Website, it took somebody not
from "Infantahins" but from another columnist to take up the
challenge and cudgels for Infantahins by publishing in his own
column in The Manila Bulletin newspaper of 4 February 2010, the
following comments under the title: "No rime nor reason":
"So many column inches have been written – like the proverbial water
under the bridge – on whether our next well should be the Wawa or
Laiban Dam.
THE SKINNY. A battle between Patron Saints: On one side is San Miguel
Corporation’s Manila Water, championing Laiban Dam; opposite is San
Lorenzo Ruiz Builders Corp. with 17 years lien on the Wawa river dam.
"SMC has deep pockets and is favored by MWSS; but Laiban requires
relocating population, building 70 kms. pipeline infrastructure
(including tunneling) and three pump stations.
"A mega project that may take 8 to 12 years.
"SLRB’s Wawa waters are just 7 kms. from Montalban or only 11 kms. to
Balara. Wawa can start-up supplying 50 millon liters/day (MLD) within
the year – with the potential to supply 1,500 MLD proven by experts
recommended by the National Water Resources Board.
"DAVID VS GOLIATH. While they battle royale, Wawa waters flush to the
Bay with no benefit to mankind. Who is this David of SLRB who stands
up to the SMC Goliath?"
Incredible, but true. It takes a non-Infantahins to take up the
challenge and suggest that the best source of additional supply of
water for thirsty "Manilans" is the not the construction of a new dam
in Laiban but the harnessing of the already existing Wawa Dam near
Manila.