CAGAYAN de Oro Water District (COWD) requires P6.4 billion to fund a five-year rehabilitation plan for its aging water system, Interim General Manager Fermin Jarales announced on November 26 during the Kapihan forum with the Philippine Information Agency-10.
Jarales outlined the strategic plan, which includes constructing five reservoir facilities, replacing 49-year-old pipelines prone to leaks, and developing metering control points to improve efficiency.
These upgrades aim to address the city’s high levels of non-revenue water—unaccounted-for water lost through leaks, illegal connections, and faulty meters.
“The full rehabilitation of Cagayan de Oro’s water system is crucial for sustainability and addressing water disruptions,” Jarales said.
To fund the plan, COWD is exploring government bonds and grants.
Jarales explained that government bonds, a form of debt security issued to support public infrastructure, are under consideration, but require extensive technical studies.
He emphasized that grants from the national government might provide more immediate financial relief, citing examples of similar support given to water districts in Leyte.
“If we secure P500 million to P1 billion through grants, we can begin addressing critical needs like dynamic metering control points, reservoir construction, and pipeline replacements,” Jarales said.
COWD’s financial and operational challenges mirror those of over 525 other water districts nationwide grappling with high non-revenue water and management issues.
To advance the rehabilitation plan, COWD has engaged with the National Economic Development Authority, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the National Non-Revenue Water Department for technical advice.
Jarales pointed out that the issue of water interruptions in Cagayan de Oro has become a national security concern, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s directive to minimize disruptions and improve water management across the country.
