Thursday, March 05, 2009 [ manilatimes.net ]
Bay, Laguna: The Laguna Lake Development Authority announced Tuesday that it has started demolishing informal structures along the lake in an effort to rehabilitate its waters and restore ecological stability.
Authority Genenal Manager Ed Manda said that the lake was polluted because of the domestic activities of informal settlers in the area as a recent study shows.
According to Manda, the study also revealed that the amount of domestic waste in the area has doubled in the span of 12 years. Authorities also said traces of heavy metals like Mercury, Lead, and Arsenic were detected in fish such as tilapia and bangus.
He admitted, however, that authority is experiencing problems with the rehabilitation allegedly because of syndicates who continue to sell pieces of land to informal settlers. The authority officials said the sale of lands encourages more people to settle in the area, contributing to more pollution.
Further, Manda said the lands being sold are part of the lakeshore and thus, are considered government property and cannot be sold.
Communities have also reportedly been sprouting atop dumpsites and illegally reclaimed areas. In addition, illegal fish pens have also been set up in the area, with 60 percent of the water already occupied, 50-percent more than is allowed by law.
The authority started the rehabilitation of Napindan Channel reportedly because of its role as an aquatic waterway that links Laguna de Bay with Manila Bay and the Pasig River.
The project is part of the authority’s effort to rehabilitate and protect the 21 major tributary river systems flowing into Laguna de Bay.
Major components of the project include Lakbay-Ilog, Damayan sa Lawa, information and education campaigns, and the formation of river rehabilitation and protection councils or foundations.--Roselle R. Aquino
