Davao water utility seeking rate hike

MANILA, Philippines — The Davao City Water District (DCWD) is seeking another increase of up to 30 percent in the water charges to sustain the city’s projected water demand in the next five to 10 years.

Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod, spokesperson for the DCWD, said the utility has asked the Local Water Utilities Administration for an adjustment and has complied with the requirements including the conduct of a public hearing.

Although the city’s water supply is sufficient for the current demand, the rate adjustment is intended to adequately provide for the city’s anticipated growth.

Duhaylungsod said the DCWD has an adequate supply of around 728 million liters per day, which is well above the city’s current requirement of 376 million liters.

“Davao City is enjoying a climate-resilient water service, with abundant available water supply from both ground and surface water sources,” Duhaylungsod said.

However, she said there is a need to develop new sources to meet projected demand.