Thursday, October 05, 2006 Business group seeks end to row over water
THE Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has emphasized that it is not favoring nor endorsing any party interested in supplying water to the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD).
“Being an organization that represents the Cebu business sector, the chamber holds an unequivocal position of impartiality as to the selection of contractor for any water supply project.
“We, therefore, do not favor nor endorse any particular contractor to undertake said projects but hold the welfare of the consumer foremost in our minds,” according to a position paper signed by CCCI president Francis Monera.
The chamber, however, is urging the local government to settle the controversy for Cebu to have the water supply the province needs to sustain and attract investments.
In an interview, Prudencio Gesta, CCCI vice president for finance, cried foul over a report that included his name, among those who are said to be endorsing the Ayala Corp.-led consortium.
“(As far as I know) I just attended a briefing on the project,” he said.
Another business leader, who requested anonymity, shared Gesta’s experience.
“We just want the issue to be resolved as soon as possible,” he said.
In the statement, the chamber urged the MCWD to tap all available sources of water “now” to support its increasing economic activities.
“The chamber is of the firm belief that when all development efforts are carried out with responsibility and transparency, we can have a truly efficient and more sustainable water resource system, management and development in the island.”
The CCCI also reiterated its adherence to the promotion of healthy competition and a level playing field among interested water suppliers for the benefit of the consumers.
“Today, MCWD serves only 17.8 percent of the population in the northern towns and cities of Metro Cebu. The remaining 82.2 percent get their water from private vendors at rates five to seven times higher than MCWD’s fees,” it said in the same statement.
The MCWD Employees’ Union has raised objections to the proposed P2-billion Carmen Bulk Water Supply Project.
The union asked the Talisay City Government to allow them to present its views.
Union president Victor Chiong said the project not only involves Cebu’s water needs but safe, potable and affordable water for all.
“Since its conception, we have been vocal about our objection to the participation of private profit-thirsty investors in the water service,” read Chiong’s letter addressed to Mayor Socrates Fernandez.
It stated that the servicing of water to the public “is a mandate of the government and should not be passed on to a person or group whose interest would be to gain and not to serve and protect the interest of the public.”
Meanwhile, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) will issue as many permits in the Cantumog-Luyang River in Carmen, Cebu depending on the volume of water that will be extracted.
NWRB Executive Director Ramon Alikpala said that at present, permits have been given to Shemberg Corp. and Central Equity Ventures Inc. (CEVI), which is one of the partners in the Ayala-led consortium for the Carmen Bulk Water Supply Project.
Alikpala said that if another company or a homeowners’ association will apply for a water permit, the NWRB will grant it.
“There’s should be no water monopoly in the country. Everybody has the right to get water as long as it is available,” Alikpala said.
The CEVI permit was issued by NWRB in 1998 with a condition that it will be cancelled if three years will lapse without development. However, the permit was not revoked because extensions were granted. (JBN/GC/EOB)
