Daluz: MCWD gets P100 million pledge

THE Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has managed to secure a P100 million pledge from Congress to replace its outdated water lines.

Jose Daluz III, chairman of the board of directors of MCWD, announced this on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 following his visit to the Senate and the House of Representatives on Monday, Jan. 30.

Daluz was accompanied by MCWD general manager Edgar Donoso when he sought financial help from Congress.

“Thank you to Senator Lito Lapid. He really accommodated us well and he was the first senator who pledged to help us. He will include this in next year’s budget since it’s no longer possible this year,” Daluz said in a mix of Cebuano and English.

The two MCWD officials handed a letter to the Senate stating their plan to replace old water pipes with new ones to address MCWD’s problem on non-revenue water (NRW) or water that has been produced but lost before it reaches the customer.

The new pipes are expected to cost P4 billion, an amount the MCWD officials don’t expect to raise on just a single occasion, but over a period of several years, annually to make it more affordable to the national government.

Daluz said they also visited some Cebuano solons, including Representatives Eduardo Rama Jr. and Rachelle del Mar of Cebu City south and north districts respectively, Lapu-Lapu Lone District Rep. Cindi Chan, Mandaue City Lone District Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, Cebu First District Rep. Rhea Gullas and Fifth District Rep. Duke Frasco to inform them of their intention.

The amount that the MCWD can raise each year will be added to the national expenditures. Currently, 28 to 30 percent of MCWD’s production of 240,000 cubic meters per day are NRW.

Once their NRW is reduced, the MCWD can supply more water to households and other business establishments, Daluz said.

Daluz added the MCWD will no longer apply for a loan should they get enough funds from national government. (PAC / TPT)