CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy has made a firm stance earlier today in protecting the interests of water consumers within his jurisdiction.
In a radio program that aired on February 9, 2024, Mayor Uy expressed his intent to scrutinize the contract between the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) and Cagayan de Oro Bulkwater Inc. (COBI), which was entered into during the administration of his predecessor, Oscar Moreno.
The Mayor has specifically tasked City Council Majority Floor Leader Ed Cabanlas to sponsor a resolution that would allow the city government to obtain a copy of the controversial contract.
This move is in response to concerns about the implications of the agreement on water consumers, particularly regarding the reported stipulation that allows for the escalation of the price of bulk water supplied by COBI to COWD every three years.
"All increases should be consulted thoroughly with the consumers," Mayor Uy declared in a statement.
He emphasized the need for the water services to show significant improvements before any discussion of price hikes could take place.
This position reflects the Mayor's commitment to ensuring that the residents of Cagayan de Oro are not unduly burdened by potential increases in their water bills.
Furthermore, Mayor Uy has indicated that he would consider moving for the cancellation of the contract if it is found to be disadvantageous to the city's water consumers.
This bold assertion underscores his dedication to safeguarding the public's interest.
Although the city government does not have direct control over the COWD, Mayor Uy is making an appeal to the board of directors and the management of the water district to align their operations with the people's welfare.
He urges them to be sincere in their service and to prioritize the needs of the consumers they serve.
Mayor Uy's concerns about the water situation in Cagayan de Oro were also evident when he invited representatives from COBI-Metro Pacific to a meeting to discuss the bulk supplier's threat to cut off water supply to COWD due to an outstanding debt of over P400 million.
He called for the supplier to defer any such action that could negatively impact the city's water supply.
Additionally, Mayor Uy wants the COWD to address the significant issue of water wastage.
It is estimated that up to 60% of the water is lost as non-revenue water, which represents a considerable inefficiency that needs to be corrected to improve service delivery to consumers.
In a related development, Engr. Antonio Young, representing another faction within the water sector, approached Mayor Uy with a proposal for a water rate hike.
However, the Mayor firmly rejected this proposal, stating that the current level of service provided to consumers is unsatisfactory and does not justify an increase in rates.
This news comes amid ongoing debates about the terms and fairness of the partnership between COWD and its majority partner, which have been a point of contention for some time.
Mayor Uy's intervention may signal a turning point in ensuring that water consumers in Cagayan de Oro are not left at a disadvantage.
Residents of Cagayan de Oro are encouraged to stay tuned to Mayor Klarex's radio program every Friday to remain informed about key announcements and developments in the city's governance, especially on matters that directly affect their daily lives.
