Alternative Site For Polluted Zambo Beach Sought

PRISTINE NO MORE: The Cawa-Cawa beach is perhaps one of the most beautiful in Zamboanga City, but it is also equally dangerous because of high levels of toxins and other pollutants which pose risk to health. (Zamboanga Journal)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Zamboanga Journal / 19 Feb) Vice Mayor Maria Isabel Clilmaco yesterday suggested that the city government provide an alternative site for the beautiful, but polluted Cawa-cawa beach, where picnickers can use for free.

Health officials warned residents not to swim in Cawa-Cawa because the water is polluted and has a high presence of bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) also confirmed the water to be polluted. But despite this warning, many locals continue to flock in Cawa-Cawa.

Climaco said there is a need to find a better alternative for Cawa-Cawa until the beach is declared safe for public use. She also asked the DOST to help the government find a beach area where residents can use for picnic.

While the Cawa-cawa boulevard has been a favorite hangout for families, the results of the water analysis conducted recently by the DOST and other agencies, is a cause for alarm, she said.

"I appeal to the public to heed the warning not to swim in the area due to the possible risks it can do to our health," Climaco told the Zamboanga Journal.

The local government had previously posted warning signs around Cawa-Cawa to inform the public the waters are polluted, but these were ignored, Climaco said.

"Agencies concerned should strictly enforce the ban to avoid endangering people’s health," she said.

The DOST and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other local government agencies have been closely monitoring the water quality of beaches here, particularly the Cawa-cawa, since the previous year to ensure the safety of the public.

DOST regional director Brenda Nazareth recommended the establishment of a centralized wastewater treatment facility, the strict enforcement of the city’s sanitary code No. 500 and to enforce other city ordinances, and DENR administrative order 35 series 1990.

She said there is a need to increase public awareness regarding the deteriorating water quality of beaches and its potential health risk and urged the putting up of more warning signs to inform the public about the polluted beaches in Zamboanga.