THE Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) said Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) rates will increase.
LWUA administrator Jeci Lapus, during his visit to Iloilo on March 22, said they are currently evaluating MIWD application for increase, but the probability of it being approved is almost 100 percent. A public hearing on the proposed increase was held in February.
“Everything is being evaluated, ang sabi ko sa MIWD, ang sabi ko sa kay (MIWD general manager) Imelda (Magsuci), is we will consider their tariff increase based on the power and oil (rate) hike, based on the salary adjustments, mainly on that,” Lapus said.
MIWD has not increased its rates for 14 years.
“So sabi nga nila from 2004 up to now, they are almost in the negative in complying especially with the salary increase,” Lapus said.
The maximum increase allowed is 60 percent.
“Maximum is 60 percent, so malayo pa but again we have to consider any tariff increase is burden (to) the consumer,” Lapus said.
The current rate is P159 per 10 cubic meters. It will increase by 26 percent or P41 to P200 per 10 cubic meters.