Councilor to COWD: ‘Shape up or we end your monopoly’

By LITO RULONA
Correspondent

A COUNCILOR on Monday called on the Cagayan de Oro Water District to shape up or face the prospects of competition.

Councilor George Goking told the city council that if COWD’s “poor services” continue, then he would propose that the local government invite other firm to compete with it.

He warned that he would author a resolution that would seek an end to the COWD monopoly.

“As I was taking a shower this morning, kalit lang nawala ang tubig. There was soap all over my face, I wanted to wash my hand, wala gyu’y tubig,” Goking complained.

He lambasted the COWD for its collection efficiency “but not in supplying water,” adding that the city’s water consumers were being shortchanged.

“We are high water rates. Gamay lang deperinsiya, putol dayun sila. To reconnect, we have to pay so much. COWD is not giving us the quality of services,” he said.

Councilor Teodulfo Lao Jr., chairman of the city council’s committee on public utilities, said councilors and Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin Uy were told by COWD director Joel Baldelovar in a chance meeting in Sept. 30 that the water crisis gripping western areas was a result of  “rolling of river boulders due to strong current” at the Emmanuel Pelaez Bridge.

But yesterday, Rio Verde told Lao’s committee that the damage was caused by the Sept. 24 earthquake.

Lao also said there was a need to reexamine the contract between COWD and bulk water supplier Rio Verde Water Consortium Inc., adding that consumers have the right to know the exact provisions in the agreement.

“If the COWD fails to supply water, then everybody is affected… We want transparency, and we want to know the real status of the city’s water supply,” Lao said.