CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella has requested the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) to stop further transaction between the consortium of private companies for a 100 million liters per day from a desalination plant, as it would reportedly increase the buying price of water per cubic meter.
In a letter to MCWD chairman and Members of the Board, the mayor said the proposal to supply bulk water is said to cost significantly higher than MCWD’s current average buying price of water per cubic meter.
“It has come also to my knowledge that the Metro Cebu Water District is currently entertaining a proposal to supply about 100 million liters per day from a desalination plant to be constructed by a consortium between the Aboitiz Group and the Metro Pacific Group of Companies,” he said.
The letter was received by MCWD’s Board of Directors Office last September 18.
In a statement sent to The FREEMAN, the MCWD said it has no agreement or contract with the consortium or any party in relation to a bulk supply of 100 million liters per day of desalinated seawater.
“Negotiations on the details, including the price, are ongoing based on the Neda JV Guidelines,” the statement read.
Labella said City Hall has received numerous complaints about the lack of water supply in practically all areas of the City of Cebu.
He also asked the MCWD on its efforts to address the alleged lack of water supply.
“Considering that the proposal and any corresponding contract that may be entered into between MCWD and the proponents may have an impact on the price of water to the consuming public, I would like to be apprised of the terms of the ongoing negotiations, the proposed price per cubic meter, as well as the status of the proposal,” he said.
With this, the mayor asked to meet the key officials and other officials from MCWD that are currently negotiating the contract with the proponents.
As the local chief executive, Labella said it is his duty to ensure that the interests of the consuming public are protected at all times.
He said any proposal that has the potential to burden the public with increased cost of basic commodities should be thoroughly reviewed and scrutinized in an open and transparent manner.
“Please ensure that MCWD does not proceed further with this transaction until the impact to consumers, the technical viability of the project, and welfare of the public has been thoroughly evaluated by all stakeholders. With this in mind, I trust that you will keep the interest of the Cebuanos paramount at all times and refrain from proceeding any further with this transaction,” he added.
Labella said his office is open to discuss with officials of MCWD about the proposal, water situation in Cebu, and measures that would address other problems and challenges. (FREEMAN)