THE United States Agency for International Development (USAid), through the Water Security for Resilient Economic Growth and Stability (Be Secure) Project, facilitated the Water Dialogues: An Executive Discussion on Water and Sanitation between the Cagayan de Oro City local government and the Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD). The purpose of the dialogue held last August 31 at N Hotel is to foster better coordination between the LGU and water district so they can better address the city’s water supply and sanitation problems. In his welcome remarks, COWD BOD Chair Emmanuel Gaabucayan said, “This dialogue provides an avenue for the water district to air its concerns with the view of expediting its projects and ultimately improving its service. It is also an opportunity to update the City Government of the plans and projects of the district towards water security and safety. More importantly, it will allow all players to work together towards a shared goal of securing water for a resilient economic growth and stability.” The discussion started off with the LGU’s and COWD’s presentations of their respective development plans and programs. Representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office also provided inputs and informed the city government that assistance is available in developing impounding reservoirs and rainwater harvesting systems. Mayor Oscar Moreno committed to work closely with the local water district, led by General Manager Rachel Beja, to resolve pressing issues on water supply, implement the recently passed septage management ordinance, support COWD’s nonevenue reduction program, develop joint projects, and cooperate on financing aspects. Mayor Moreno said that he knows the city government can help and that everything we do has to have an added value. He also expressed his gratitude to USAid for its technical assistance, saying “The presence of USAid not only brings comfort, but also reassurance that things are okay.” Representatives from the USAid Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (Surge) Project and Miya also attended the dialogue. USAid is helping Cagayan de Oro City improve its water supply by providing technical assistance to COWD in its nonevenue water (NRW) reduction efforts. Currently, USAid is also conducting a rapid feasibility study for an alternative water source for CDO. It also assists COWD in developing a city-wide septage management program, which can benefit approximately 455,242 people. PR
- Advertisement -
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.

- Advertisement -

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR