SOURCE: PNA
Cagayan de Oro City, the bustling urban center known as the "City of Golden Friendship," is now faced with a pressing issue that strikes the heart of every home - water supply issues. Recently, the local government has found itself on the verge of invoking its police power and contemplating legal remedies to address the problem. This move is led by Second District Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, who has taken up the baton to protect the consumers of the city government-run Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) and its third-party bulk water supplier, the Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Incorporated (COBI).
In a statement released on Tuesday, Cabanlas declared, "We may enforce expropriation on this matter, initiated by our local government, so we can assume control in its operations." This statement is not only an indication of the government's intent but also a testament to their commitment to protect the people’s right to clean and reliable water.
Over the past weekend, an unease about the city's water supply reemerged when an interruption of service in several communities took about 72 hours. A "notice of disconnection" from COBI to COWD was received by the Office of the City Mayor on March 1, showing an outstanding balance of PHP426.8 million. This incident has not only reignited the water supply concern but has also raised questions about the financial management of these water entities.
To probe the unforeseen delay of water interruption in some villages, a technical working group was established, led by none other than Councilor Cabanlas. Mayor Rolando Uy appointed him to lead the investigation, demonstrating the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough review of the circumstances leading to the extended water service interruption.
As the unpaid debts of COWD remain unsettled, another legal remedy has been proposed by Second District Councilor James Judith - a temporary restraining order. Such an order would allow the continuation of water services to consumers while the financial issues are resolved. This proposal indicates the government's inclination to use legal avenues to safeguard consumer rights and uphold public service.
Public anger over the delayed repairs undertaken by COBI is palpable, but the ire of city residents was further fuelled by a perceived lack of communication about the extent of the problem. Mayor Uy expressed this sentiment, saying, "We were told about the repairs, and we’re used to expecting that it was a minor problem." This lack of transparency has significantly contributed to the public's growing frustration and mistrust.
The root of the problem lies in the relocation of isolation valves, which were affected by the ongoing flood control project of the Department of Public Works and Highways. This relocation has not only disrupted the water supply but also impacted the lives of citizens in at least 26 villages.
During the water interruption, Mayor Uy ordered the deployment of water tankers and instructed the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Department and the Bureau of Fire Protection station to deploy additional tankers. This immediate response signified the local government's commitment to mitigating the adverse effects of the water supply interruption on its citizens.
The City of Golden Friendship now stands at a crossroads. How it chooses to address this issue will speak volumes about its commitment to its citizens and their right to clean, reliable water. With the city government's willingness to consider legal remedies and even expropriate the operations of the water entities, it is evident that they are ready to take drastic measures if necessary.
The water supply issue in CDO presents a valuable opportunity for learning and growth. It underlines the importance of transparency, efficient management, and the need for contingency plans in the event of service interruptions.
The fight for water - the 'blue gold' as it's often referred to, is not just about securing a basic human necessity. It's about ensuring that the citizens of CDO have access to a reliable water supply, that transparency is maintained, and that individuals can trust their government to protect their interests. The battle for 'blue gold' is far from over, but with the city government's resolve and the citizens' resilience, victory is within sight.
No comments:
Post a Comment