THE Davao City Water District (DCWD) is open to competition as it encourages investors to come in and deliver quality service for as long as every player abides by the law and proper procedures.
DCWD spokesperson, lawyer Bernard Delima said that the entry of the Cebu-based company Helpmate, Inc. is a welcome development for as long as it abides by the legal processes before operation.
“We welcome competition, the reason why we filed a complaint before National Water Resources Board (NWRB) against them (Helpmate) was because they started drilling operations in Davao River and laying down pipelines in some parts of the city without securing a water permit from NWRB and Certificate of Public Convenience,” he said.
That complaint, Delima said, in a way, will compel the Helpmate to get the permit, a public assurance that they will be dealing with a registered water company.
Last year, the Cebu-based company Helpmate, Inc. applied for the Council’s approval on a water supply and treatment project. Resolution No. 01607-15 was then released on February 10, 2015 in connection to this application.
Helpmate Inc. said they have secured permits from various local government units to authorize their excavation and pipe-laying activities in some parts of Cabantian, Buhangin that are yet to be fully served by DCWD.
“After having been authorized by the Davao City Council to undertake the development and operation of a water system, Helpmate, Inc. was issued a Certificate of Zoning Compliance by the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator; and Excavation and Pipelaying Permit from the City Engineer — all of which cover the current activities of the company,” the Helpmate Inc. previous statement read.
Davao City Second District Councilor Diosdado Mahipus lobbied for the resumption of the water supply project of Cebu-based firm in a privilege speech during the City Council session last November. Mahipus proposed that NWRB should be made aware that the second district of Davao City is in dire need of potable water and that Helpmate has the service they need. At present, the case is still pending in the NWRB.
“We are just waiting for the result, and whatever would come out, we will abide,” Delima said.