Kagman farms beset with water woes

The water supply to commercial farm plots in Kagman has become problematic as three of the five wells providing water to the area are down. Also, initial inspection showed that there is a problem with the water piping system.

The administration assured, though, that the CNMI Water Task Force is already addressing the water crisis affecting the area.

“We’ve made it a priority. We’re addressing it and the task force is looking into the possibility of doing a study that would change the design so that farmers will have adequate water,” according to acting Gov. Diego T. Benavente yesterday.

He said he has met with Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Seman, Division of Agriculture director Donald Flores, and representatives from the Soil and Water Conservation council to discuss the matter.

Benavente said one of the three defective wells is now operational.

“I immediately asked my staff to purchase the needed parts to replace the pump. It’s now working but since it’s the dry season, three wells are not enough. Even with the five wells, they’re barely enough. That’s why the task force would be looking at the design. I’m told that there’s a design problem,” said Benavente.

He said he has instructed the task force to allocate some funding to repair the two remaining non-functioning wells.

A “distressed” farmer had written Gov. Juan N. Babauta Friday, lambasting him for his failure to address the lingering water situation in the Kagman farm lots.

“We had hoped that you would take a positive action to eliminate our suffering…but our hopes had vaporized as today demonstrates another way in which your administration has abandoned us,” said the farmer, who only signed his name as “DF” for Distressed Farmer.

The farmer also attacked Flores for allegedly preventing his workers from implementing a water schedule.

“Control valves are also being deliberately misused to ensure certain farmers do not get water during their schedule. Some farmers are even misclassified to ensure either they get water all the time or no water at all,” said the letter sender.

Benavente confirmed yesterday that the division has resorted to water rationing due to poor water supply in the area.

“It’s really frustrating for farmers to have the water rationed but we’re addressing it as quickly as possible,” said Benavente.

The inadequate water supply in the area was one of the issues that had triggered the sudden resignation early last year of then DLNR Secretary Thomas Pangelinan.

Pangelinan, who maintained farm lots in Kagman, was accused of controlling the water supply. Some farmers also said that he had prevented them from entering their plots.

There are about 40 farm lot permit holders in Kagman.