The local government unit of Burauen, Leyte has built the first-ever public market wastewater treatment facility in Eastern Visayas region as part of its efforts to improve public sanitation and promote environmental sustainability.

Designed to collect, treat, and properly dispose of wastewater generated within the Burauen Commercial Complex, the PHP17-million facility has an estimated annual treatment capacity of 23.4 million liters, the local government reported in a statement on Tuesday.

Mayor Fe Sudario-Renomeron led the recent inauguration of the project designed to help reduce water pollution, protect nearby water resources, and improve sanitation in the town’s busiest commercial area.

“The facility aims to safeguard public health, protect water quality, and strengthen responsible environmental management by treating wastewater before it is discharged into the environment,” the local government said.

The wastewater treatment facility is expected to improve sanitation conditions at the commercial complex while helping reduce environmental pollution through the proper treatment of wastewater.

Treated water can be used for domestic activities such as watering plants and cleaning.

Burauen, a first-income-class town in Leyte province with a population of 54,635 people, is located 42 kilometers south of Tacloban City, the regional capital. (PNA)