Tacloban City — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines Buba Tekune led on Thursday the inauguration ceremony for the Water Supply Support Project for Typhoon Yolanda-affected families now residing in Ridgeview Park, a resettlement site located in the city.

The project funded by the donation of the Nigerian government provides potable water supply, on-site water source development, water filtration, and rain harvesting.

Some 77 families who were the first to transfer in the relocation site will benefit from the project.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) which is a longtime partner of the DSWD on disaster response was also involved in the completion of the project.

“This donation is a gift and an offer of friendship from the people of Nigeria to the Filipino people,” Amb. Tekune said.

Amb. Tekune also recognized the resiliency of the “Yolanda” survivors citing that the city barely shows signs of devastation just two years after the disaster.

Acknowledging the assistance of the Nigerian government, Secretary Soliman said that this project has resolved the issue on water rationing.

“We thank the Nigerian people for the friendship and the solidarity that they have provided. Through the bond that the Nigerians have with the Filipino people, they have provided and donated US $300,000 (P14-M) and this was used for the tanks and water filtration. The project will provide water for all who those who will move in to this Ridgeview area,” Sec. Soliman added.

Sec. Soliman also thanked other national agencies, the local government unit, and international organizations who helped in the completion of the project.

Sec. Soliman also announced that when all the houses in this area will be ready for occupancy, the bunkhouses and other transitional shelters will be closed.

“We will be moving the people in the bunkhouses here, because we will have water and electricity connection. We hope to do this before November 15 for all those who have completed their documents,” Sec. Soliman said.

Sec. Soliman also received cheers from the audience when she said, “ Your christmas will be beautiful and bright as you will have water and electricity very soon.” ###