CAGAYAN de Oro City Councilor Joyleen Mercedes 'Girlie' Balaba remains steadfastly opposed to the Cagayan de Oro Water District’s (COWD) proposed 60 percent increase in water rates over the next three years.
Following Monday’s regular session, Balaba expressed her strong disapproval of the proposed rate hike in an interview with Gold Star Daily.
“Dili gyud sya uyon,” she said.
Balaba vehemently condemns the suggested increase, particularly highlighting the concern that several barangays in the city still lack sufficient water supply.
On November 28, last year, the City Council passed Resolution 2023-542, urging COWD to defer the proposed 60 percent water rate increase over the next three years.
“Dili gyud ko mo uyon ug wala ko niuyon nga patas-on ang ilang water rate,” reiterated Balaba.
She pointed out that a resolution was passed, formally requesting COWD to refrain from implementing the substantial rate hike.
“Nag request ‘ta nga dili sa sila magpataw ug increase,” she added.
As of the latest update, Balaba highlighted that COWD has not yet responded to their request to postpone the rate increase. “Wala pa sila’y update,” she confirmed.
