THE Cagayan de Oro City Council today passed an amended resolution, proposed Resolution No. 2024-709, which affects the water supply agreement with Rio Verde Water Consortium, Inc.This resolution seeks to amend a previous resolution, allowing Rio Verde to provide Level III Water Supply to underserved barangays.
The City Council voted 14 in favor and three against the amendment. The amendment removes the fixed pricing scheme that was initially part of the agreement with Rio Verde Water Consortium, Inc.
Originally, Rio Verde was mandated to charge P15.00 per cubic meter for the first three years of operation. Increases were capped at P16.00 per cubic meter from the fourth to the fifteenth year. This clause has now been deleted from the resolution.
The urgency of the matter was underscored by City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy, who certified the resolution as urgent. This move was in response to the ongoing conflict between the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) and Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. (COBI).
The mayor’s primary aim is to ensure that the city’s residents receive continuous water service. This is in light of the looming issues with COBI, which have threatened to disrupt water supply.
To reduce dependency on COBI, the city is looking for alternative water suppliers. This strategy is aimed at securing a more reliable water supply and avoiding the risk of service interruptions.
The Council’s support for Rio Verde is a clear indication that the city is willing to collaborate with new water suppliers to ensure that residents do not suffer from water shortages.
Mayor Uy has also indicated that Rio Verde could be used as an emergency water supplier, which would be a contingency measure against any potential disruptions from COBI.
The city government is also scrutinizing the periodic rate increases by COBI, ensuring that water rates remain fair and accessible for the citizens of Cagayan de Oro.
Should the contract with COBI prove to be disadvantageous, Mayor Uy is prepared to pursue legal action to protect the interests of the city’s residents.
Transparency in governance is a commitment of both the Mayor and the City Council. They aim to keep all stakeholders informed and accountable throughout the resolution of the water supply issues.
The Mayor is committed to ensuring the health and well-being of the residents through reliable access to water services. The steps being taken by him and the city council reflect their dedication to addressing the water crisis effectively.
The collaborative efforts of the Mayor and the City Council in negotiating and passing the resolution demonstrate their commitment to the best interests of the city’s residents.
Meanwhile, Councilor Edgardo Cabanlas highlighted that the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) holds the authority to approve water permits.
However, the council’s resolution will facilitate other water suppliers, like Rio Verde, to provide water directly to the city’s households.
He also clarified that the legal issues concerning the contract between COWD and COBI are separate from the resolution.
The council’s aim is to issue a non-objection to allow Rio Verde to commence its operations without delay, supplying 100 million cubic meters of water daily to the city.
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