WATER supply has been cut off to at least 13 villages here by the Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc (Cobi), the city's main supplier over a disputed P479 million debt with the local water district.
In a statement, Cobi and Rio Verde Water Consortium Inc., said they have shut off the pipe valves supplying water to the eastern and western parts of the city as of 10 am Tuesday.
“We recognize the importance of a reliable water supply and have made every effort to reach an amicable resolution with the Cagayan de Oro Water District. However due to current circumstances, we are forced to temporarily cut water services until the situation is rectified,” Cobi said in the statement.
Cobi Senior Legal Counsel Lawyer Rob Rodrigo said they are willing to open the water valves if COWD would negotiate for the payment of its P479 million debt.
Rodrigo said Cobi has reached an agreement with Rio Verde Water Consortium InC., to cut off the water supply for the city until COWD pays their water bill.
Formed in 2017, Cobi is a joint venture between Metro Pacific Water owned by businessman Manny Pangilinan, and COWD, Cagayan de Oro’s water district.
Metro Pacific Water holds 95 percent equity while COWD, the remaining distribution, and supply of water in the City.
Cobi gets its supply of bulk water from Rio Verde, a company owned by businessman Pepito Alvarez, who has a 100-million-liter-a-day water treatment facility in Baungon, Bukidnon.
In a statement released at 10 am Tuesday, the COWD said water services interruption would be experienced in Barangays Lumbia, Pagatpat, Canitoan, Upper Carmen, Patag, Buua, Iponan, and Opol in the west area of Cagayan de Oro.
COWD said water would also be in short supply in barangays Camaman-an, Lapasan, and Gusa in the eastern part of the city; and barangays Upper Macasandig and Tibasak in the central parts of the city.
