|
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Service to deteriorate if rate hike is junked
By Aurea A. Gerundio
THE Davao City Water District (DCWD) may turn down future applications for water connections if the proposed water rate hike will not push through, DCWD spokesperson Dominador Lopez said Friday.
Lopez said service of the water utility will deteriorate if the proposed rate increase will be rejected by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), the body authorized to regulate tariffs of water districts at the moment.
"Kung hindi ma-implement ang increase, we may not be able to continue the expansion projects. Kapag nangyari 'yon, baka hindi na namin kayang tumanggap pa ng applications for water connection especially in remote areas," Lopez said.
Lopez said the DCWD has, in fact, started to turn down some applications for water connection in Barangay Langub, Maa.
Lopez insisted that the proposed water rate hike is for the benefit of the public and not the DCWD officials.
Lopez said the DCWD is still wrapping up the minutes of the series of public hearings regarding the proposed water rate hike for submission to the LWUA.
Lopez earlier explained that the LWUA still has the authority to decide on the proposed water rate increase, thus, its participation in recent public hearings about the increase is legal.
Lopez showed reporters a copy of a letter of National Water Resource Board (NWRB) executive director Rodolfo Mateo to LWUA administrator Lorenzo Jamora dated February of 2003, copy of which was obtained by Sun.Star, allowing the LWUA "to continue to perform its function of reviewing water tariff of water districts which it has financial exposure."
Mateo said the LWUA shall continue with its function until such time that appropriate guideline has been prepared for the NWRB's take over.
"We are hoping that the DCWD's proposal will be granted," Lopez said.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (June 18, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
