THE Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) has extended the tenure of the Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD) interim board for another six months, Interim General Manager Fermin Jarales confirmed on February 26.

“Ang atong tenure or stay as Interim General Manager and Board of Directors is officially extended for another six months, from March 1, 2025, until August 31, 2025,” Jarales said.

The decision came after LWUA’s Board of Trustees meeting on February 25, chaired by LWUA Chairman Ronnie Ong.

TERM EXTENSION. Interim General Manager Fermin Jarales confirms on February 26 that the Local Water Utilities Administration’s Interim Board for the Cagayan de Oro Water District has been extended for another six months, from March 1 to August 31. Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig

Jarales welcomed the extension, stating that it would allow COWD to push forward with its five-year development plan. Key projects include the distribution of transmission lines, construction of reservoirs, and establishment of metering and control points.

Additionally, the extension will provide time to finalize financial strategies, including government bonds, loan payables, and investment plans, which are currently under review by LWUA’s legal department.

“Dako kini nga kahigayonan to fast-track the recovery path para sa Cagayan de Oro Water District,” he said.