Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Millions of people have been suffering from the water interruption since Monday (August 10).
Some residents cope by getting their supply from water tankers, even if it means going back and forth several times a day to fetch water.
In Barangay 183 in Tondo, Manila people have been flocking to a water tanker stationed there to refill all sorts of containers, from pails to water jugs. According to residents, it’s a difficult situation to endure, but they have no choice but to cope with it.
Jose Vergara, one of the residents affected by the water supply interruption, said the water he is fetching covers water needs just for the evening.
“Mahirap kasi di bale wala kang kuryente basta may tubig ka, eh syempre lahat ng pangangailangan sa tubig diba,” another resident Susan Tabiong said.
Businesses also have to put up with the situation. A carwash in an affected area in Tondo experienced a slow day. On a normal day, owner Israel Atenta said they service up to 18 vehicles.
But due to the lack of water supply, Atenta has not been earning as much.
“Nung nakaraan puro sasakyang malalaki hinuhugasan namin, mga truck, mga SUV, ngayon puro motor muna… kasi mas konti konsumo ng tubig ng motor,” he said.
An eatery also in the affected area limited its menu to food items that don’t require much water to cook.
West zone concessionaire Maynilad, however, said it is on track with its pipe realignment that will give way to a flood control project in Manila.
The company added that it may even finish repairs ahead of schedule, which means water supply could normalize earlier than expected.
