PB gives thumbs up to creation of prov'l water resources body

The Provincial Board has approved on second and final reading an ordinance sponsored by PB member Victor Maambong creating the Water Resources Authority of the Province of Cebu.

Since the said ordinance is finally approved, the provincial government can now "effectively conserve and equitably utilize its water resources for the benefit of constituents".

With the said ordinance, all the constituents of the province can now be served with the most affordable and safe potable water through a consistent, efficient, systematic and comprehensive bulk water distribution system.

This as the main objectives of the water resources authority ordinance are to create the water resources authority and adopt and establish rules governing the appropriation, utilization, exploitation, conservation, protection and distribution of water resources in the province; and adopt and implement a comprehensive plan for bulk distribution of water in all parts of the island.

The water authority is also tasked to process, endorse or oppose applications for water rights as designated agent of the National Water Resource Board, consistent with the comprehensive Provincial Water Resources Development Plan to be adopted by said water resources authority and with the Water Code of the Philippines.

Its task is also to harmonize with the provisions of the Clean Water Act and other water-related activities and undertakings by both the government and private sector of the province. The ordinance shall also cover the appropriation, utilization, exploitation and distribution of water for any purpose either for residential, commercial or industrial for the supply of water in bulk or otherwise traversing or crossing component municipalities and cities.

It will also include appropriation of water for purely domestic purposes such as, but not limited to, irrigation, fisheries, livestock raising, recreational and other similar activities. The creation of the water resources authority shall then be composed of the Governor who will act as the chairperson, the executive director and secretary who are both appointed by the governor, while its members shall be composed of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer, two NGO representatives, a representative from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the chairperson of the committee on conservation and natural resources of the PB, chairperson of the committee on planning and development of the PB, chairperson of the committee on public works and highways, president of the Association of Barangay Captains and a representative from the association of local water authorities.

The governor will be authorized to provide reasonable allowances or honoraria to members subject to the rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit.

An initial amount of P2 million shall be appropriated for the operation of the Water Resources Authority and its budget of operation shall be included in the annual budget of the province or shall be sourced by any. The non-submission also of water application to the provincial water resources authority and violations by any person of the provisions of the said ordinance shall be penalized by imprisonment of not exceeding six months or a fine of P5,000 or both at court's discretion.

And in the case of corporations, partnerships and other judicial persons, the president, general manager, chief executive officer or appropriate officer shall be held liable.

The creation of the provincial water resources authority came after Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has recommended it in order to allow the province to intervene in the P2-billion Carmen Bulk Water project. - Flor Z. Perolina/MEEV