By NITZ ARANCON
Correspondent .
THE Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. (Cobi) failed to fix a defective pump at its treatment facility in Baungon, Bukidnon, leaving the water district’s supply for western parts of the city and in Opol, Misamis Oriental short by 20 million liters a day.
The bad news is that the crisis would last until October.
The Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) yesterday announced that its lone bulk water supplier has sent notice that it failed to repair a pump impeller shaft that broke last week. Cobi, based on an earlier COWD announcement, was supposed to complete the repair over the weekend.
“Please be informed that due to the extent of the damage of Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc.’s pump impeller shaft, repairs at their end will be further extended,” reads a COWD announcement.
Ladelle Sagrado, COWD spokesperson, said Cobi needs at least a week for the delivery of the material from Manila, and another week for fabrication works and installation.
The COWD said this would cause a temporary water service interruption — or low water pressure to absence of water supply — in certain areas from Sept. 17 to Oct. 1. The daily shortfall however started last week when the supply dropped from the required 60 million liters a day 40 million liters.
Affected areas are Lumbia, upper Carmen, Kauswagan, Bonbon, Bayabas, Patag, Bulua and Iponan, this city, and in neighboring Opol town in Misamis Oriental.
But COWD said the repair may be completed before Oct. 1, and normal supply could be restored earlier than scheduled “if a local service provider can handle shaft straight alignment.”
Reads part of the COWD announcement: “Please be assured all efforts will be taken to restore normal water supply the soonest possible time.”
COWD chairman Eduardo Montalvan said he doubts if Cobi could deliver 60 million liters a day by Oct. 1, pointing out that the spare part it ordered in Manila would still need to be sent to a machine shop here.
The Baungon water treatment plant was built by COWD’s former supplier, Rio Verde Water Consortium Inc.. The Manny V. Pangilinan-controlled Cobi took over on New Year’s Day after COWD and Rio Verde agreed to terminate their decade-old contract.
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
