Rama serious about creating water district, port authority

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he is “serious” about creating a city-owned water district and a port authority.

“Serious ko ana. Serious ko anang Cebu Port Authority, serious sad ko anang Cebu City Water District,” Rama told reporters.

According to Rama, the city government does not get along with the existing Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) and the Cebu Port Authority. Rama is currently at loggerheads with the MCWD over issues of appointments to the board. He is also at war with CPA over ownership claim of the Compaña Maritima properties.

“Nganong di man ta kabuhat?” said Rama.

When asked what difference will these make considering that there are already existing water district and port authority, Rama explained that the city-owned establishments will serve only the city of Cebu while the existing ones are servicing Metro Cebu.

Recently, the city government also ordered to fence an ongoing port project of CPA for lack of building permit. Rama asserted that any construction work to be undertaken within the territorial jurisdiction of the city should secure a permit from the Office of the Building Official (OBO).

On the other hand, the CPA contended that they do not need to secure a permit for works done within the ports. This is allegedly provided in the CPA charter. –/FPL (FREEMAN)