GSD FILE PHOTO courtesy of COWD
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By LINA SAGARAL REYES
Special Correspondent .

THE Cagayan de Oro Water District will continue to explore discussions with prospective investors for the development of an alternative water source other than groundwater.

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“Surface water is more reliable and economically viable, as groundwater wells would no longer be allowed by 2030,” said COWD general manager Bienvenido Batar Jr..

Batar said using surface water will also be consistent with the water district’s mandate not only to provide water to the city but also to protect the environment.

Citing a study conducted by the United States Agency for International Development, he added that using surface water such as from the Cagayan de Oro River will lower production costs. He said that the COWD management will be guided by that study, and will strive to implement its recommendations.

He further echoed an official statement released on the same day, “ensuring customers and the public that all its plans and actions are geared towards ensuring water security for the people.”

Also, Batar said he will strive to lead more effectively by inspiring the staff for a better teamwork.

Batar took over as general manager in an acting capacity this month after the COWD board dismissed Engr. Rachel Beja.

Some changes have been put in place, announced Eduardo Montalvan, chairperson of COWD board of directors.

At a press conference held on World Water Day on Thursday, Montalvan said among the changes are: a better public relations policy, a monthly report of revenues and expenditures, and the filling up of the COWD’s plantilla.

“We will put in place a public relations policy,” Montalvan said, citing that for a long time linking with the media had not been a proority under the previous administration. He said he will make sure that a regular media conference will held.

He also said the COWD board will require the management to provide a monthly statement of expenditures and revenues, further saying that there has never been such statements before. Montalvan added that such reports will help the board monitor the COWD financial standing on a monthly basis.

Lastly, he said that several vacanies will be filled up.

“Previously, applications were all left to pile up in the office of the general manager,” he said, “with applicants having to wait for the general manager to act on these applications.”

In the new set-up, applications, though addressed to the general manager, will be processed by the administration (office), and when an applicant will pass the exams, section heads who will hire them will recommend them to the general manager, he said.

“There have been several vacant positions for a long time, and a lot of people are wanting to apply for a post… We should be hiring more people and filling in all those vacancies so that we will hear no excuse that tasks are not done because we are undermanned,” he explained.

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