Sunday, April 27, 2008 'Board operations transparent'
MECHANISMS are in place to ensure transparency in its operations, and that all activities are approved by the board of directors, Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) management assured.
MCWD General Manager Armando Paredes said all corporate policies and plans pertaining to procurement, employee benefits, budget and other undertakings of the management are subject to the board’s review and approval.
All board members are appointees of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.
The board, in fact, is the head of the MCWD’s procurement entity and is consulted on all purchases and corporate plans, Paredes pointed out.
MCWD’s management issued a statement in reaction to Osmeña’s criticisms on the management’s lack of focus and transparency.
Warning
The mayor also warned the management that he has ordered the board to crack down on irregularities in the management of the water district.
In a letter addressed to Sun.Star Cebu, Paredes explained that Osmeña’s appointees in the board of directors have knowledge of everything that goes on in the water district.
“As its policy makers, the board of directors may change the direction or the plans presented by the management if they are not convinced of the urgency and importance of the said plans and projects,” Paredes said.
Board approval
Even the MCWD employees’ benefits specified in the Collective Negotiation Agreement between the management and the employees’ union have been approved by the board.
Paredes also pointed out that contrary to the mayor’s criticism that they have neglected improvements in water connections, MCWD continues to replace old lines.
Based on their records, MCWD has spent P32 million for the rehabilitation of old and dilapidated distribution pipelines in the last two years.
It also spent P42 million for its mainline expansion and civil works, extending new distribution lines to areas that have no water connections yet.
In promoting transparency in its projects and purchases, the management submits its plans to the board for approval.
It also invites Commission on Audit (COA) and civic organizations representatives during pre-bidding conferences and opening of bids, Paredes added. (LCR)
