CREDIT: Cagayan de Oro City Information Office
In a significant move that promises to reshape the landscape of water supply in Cagayan de Oro City, the 20th City Council has passed an amended resolution. This resolution, approved during a special session last Monday, marks a pivotal moment. By voting 14 in favor with three against, the council has interposed no objection to Rio Verde Water Consortium Inc.'s application to directly supply water to the city's households. This decision is not just about changing a supplier; it's about embracing a future where access to water becomes more streamlined and efficient.
The resolution amends a crucial phrase, setting the stage for a new pricing strategy. Rio Verde Water Consortium Inc. will now charge P15 per cubic meter of water for the initial three years of operation, followed by P16 per cubic meter in the subsequent 12 years. This pricing strategy is not merely a figure; it represents a commitment to affordability and accessibility for the residents of Cagayan de Oro.
Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, a key proponent of the resolution, emphasized that the authority to approve water permit applications lies with the National Water Resources Board (NWRB). Cabanlas's advocacy underscores a crucial aspect of governance: the ability to facilitate essential services while navigating the intricacies of legal and regulatory frameworks. This resolution, according to Cabanlas, is a gateway for other water suppliers to directly serve the city's households, enhancing competition and potentially improving service quality.
Cabanlas addressed concerns regarding the ongoing negotiations between Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) and Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. (COBI) over water rates. He clarified that the resolution focuses solely on allowing Rio Verde to supply water directly to households. Any legal disputes between COWD and COBI are separate issues, reinforcing the council's role in fostering a conducive environment for service delivery rather than intervening in contractual disputes.
The council's resolution is more than a regulatory approval; it's a vision for the future. By allowing Rio Verde to supply 100 million cubic meters of water directly to the city, the council is not just addressing the immediate needs but is also laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. This decision could potentially transform how water is supplied in Cagayan de Oro, ensuring that access to this vital resource is secure, reliable, and affordable.
The implications of this decision extend beyond the immediate economic or logistical benefits. It represents a commitment to ensuring that the basic needs of the city's residents are met with foresight and responsibility. The council's role, as articulated by both Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez and Councilor Cabanlas, highlights a delicate balance between regulatory authority and service to the community.
The council's decision to amend the resolution and allow Rio Verde to supply water directly to Cagayan de Oro's households is a landmark moment. It signifies a shift towards more direct and efficient service delivery models, a move that could serve as a blueprint for other cities facing similar challenges. The agreed-upon water rates, P15 to P16, demonstrate a commitment to keeping water affordable while ensuring that the infrastructure and service delivery mechanisms are in place to meet the city's growing needs.
The 20th City Council's amended resolution is not just a local policy adjustment; it's a statement of intent. It shows a willingness to adopt innovative solutions to longstanding challenges, to prioritize the needs of the community, and to act with a sense of urgency and purpose. As Cagayan de Oro City looks forward to the implementation of this resolution, the hope is that this decision will catalyze further positive changes, making the city a model for effective urban water management. The council's decision is a testament to the power of informed, responsive governance, and a reminder of the impact such decisions can have on the well-being of a community.
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