Oro mayor wants imposition of water rate hike every 3 years revoked

BY JOEL C. ESCOL, Managing Editor  

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy revealed on Friday that he wanted a certain provision in the COWD-COBI contract to be revoked considering that this is detrimental to the water consumers of the city.

Mayor Klarex is referring to a provision in the contract that says every three years there will be a water rate increase of almost Four Pesos (3.97).

During his regular radio program, Mayor Uy informed the public that the city’s water district entered into a contract with  Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. (COBI). The said contract allows COBI to impose an increase of almost 4 pesos every three years.  

Mayor Uy reiterated his concern that if said provision in water rate hike will not be stopped or revoked, this will become a continued burden to the water consumers.

Gusto nato nga ma-revoked kining maong provision. Wala kitay nakita nga sufficient basis sa pag increase sa balayronon sa matag tulo ka tuig,” the city mayor said.  

On April 30th, COBI threatened to cut off the water connections affecting thousands of consumers if the said payable of P426 million will not be settled by the Cagayan de Oro Water District. (COWD)

Earlier, COWD Board Member Gerry Caño, head of the negotiating team, told the media that the P426 million billed by COBI is highly questionable.

NEGOTIATIONS

The April 30th deadline set by COBI ‘will test the water’ if they are capable of denying the populace of Cagayan de Oro from the fundamental need which is water.

Although both parties are continually negotiating to reach a ‘win-win’ solution, and to avoid the looming misery to the people once the water supply is cut off.

NEW PLAYERS

The City Mayor said he is welcome to the idea of accepting new players. On Tuesday, Mayor Klarex met with other bulk suppliers, including South Balibago Waterworks, Mindanao Cooperative Water Services and JE Hydro, Kyogojo.

The three firms assured the mayor they can cover the shortfall, if and when COBI cuts the water supply to COWD.

Meanwhile, Joffrey Hapitan, manager of Rio Verde said that based on the meeting between the City Mayor and Congressman Jose Ch. Alvarez, the latter assured mayor Uy that there will be no cut off of water supply to COWD.

“We at Rio Verde firmly believe that “Access to Safe Drinking Water is a Fundamental Human Right,” Hapitan said.