SOURCE: PNA
Navigating the tumultuous seas of water supply interruption, the local government of CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY has proven its resilience and innovative thinking. The local administration has formulated contingency plans to ensure the uninterrupted flow of water to its citizens. This pioneering strategy emerged from a strategic planning session where the Task Force Water Supply proposed the installation of "water bladders" or tanks at strategic locations across the city's barangays.
The ingenious "water bladders" are set to be the city's lifeline in times of water scarcity. Nic Jabagat, the chief of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department, pledged to work closely with barangay officials. Together, they will determine the ideal drop-off points in collaboration with the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD).
Barangay officials will play a crucial role in this contingency plan. Tasked with the distribution of water on the ground, they will act as the frontline water guardians. The local government assures them of a stable supply of water, with a fleet of water tankers ready to be deployed to bolster their water supply efforts.
The Bureau of Fire Protection will be another pillar of support in this contingency plan. They will join forces with volunteers to ensure the effective distribution of water to households, stepping in to provide essential services in these challenging times. This collaboration demonstrates the unity and determination of the community in facing adversity.
This comprehensive plan was created in response to the looming threat of a water service disconnection by the city's contracted bulk water supplier, Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water, Inc. (COBI). The recent discord between COBI and COWD over unpaid water rates has cast a shadow over the city's water supply.
The tension between COBI and COWD escalated when COBI served a fourth disconnection notice to COWD, citing unpaid dues amounting to PHP426 million. The ongoing dispute has placed the city's water supply at risk, necessitating swift action from the city administration.
The pandemic has added another layer of complexity to this issue. COWD cites force majeure or the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic as the reason for the non-payment of the PHP426 million owed to COBI. This unprecedented situation has further strained the already tense relationship between the two entities.
Mayor Rolando Uy, recognizing the severity of the situation, established the task force to devise contingencies in case COBI disconnects its service to COWD. This proactive move is a testament to the administration's commitment to safeguarding the city's water supply.
The consequences of a possible disconnection are daunting. COWD manager Antonio Young revealed that the disconnection would affect around 40,000 households on the city's eastern side. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of the contingency plan and the critical role it will play in averting a water crisis.
The city's contingency plan for water rationing is a beacon of hope in these challenging times. It combines strategic planning, community involvement, and innovative solutions to ensure the city's water supply remains uninterrupted. With the support of its citizens, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY is ready to face any challenge head-on, proving that together, they can weather any storm.
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