How is El Deposito being transformed for tourism?

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El Deposito Undergoing Transformation into a Tourist Attraction

El Deposito, a historic underground reservoir in Manila, is being revitalised and equipped with new infrastructure to become a tourist destination. Construction crews are currently installing a metal walkway and other necessary facilities to prepare the site for public access, which is slated for February. This initiative aims to showcase the reservoir's significant historical role and its architectural features to visitors.
Historic Reservoir Being Adapted for Public Access

The underground cavern, originally completed 137 years ago, is undergoing significant modifications to accommodate tourists. Workers are constructing a metal walkway and other visitor amenities within the reservoir's vaulted ceilings and stone columns. These enhancements are designed to allow the public to explore the site safely and appreciate its historical context when it opens in February.
El Deposito's Historical Significance and Past Uses

This Spanish colonial-era reservoir, capable of holding 53 million litres of water, played a crucial role in supplying clean water to thousands of homes until the early 20th century, a stark contrast to the previous method of water delivery by porters. Its history also includes its use by Japanese forces as an ammunition dump during World War II. Following the war, the structures above ground were destroyed by US forces in 1945, leading to the reservoir's subsequent neglect and transformation into a dumpsite, even being occupied by squatters.
Government Recognition and Rehabilitation Efforts

Recognising its historical importance, the Philippine government officially declared El Deposito a national shrine in 1973. More recently, a comprehensive four-year cleanup and rehabilitation project commenced in 2016. This extensive effort has paved the way for the current infrastructure development aimed at transforming the neglected site into a functional tourist attraction, highlighting its engineering achievements and historical narrative.

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How is El Deposito being transformed for tourism?

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