MCWD not opposing new water utility, but…

CEBU, Philippines — The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has clarified that it is not opposing the application of Worlds First Water Ventures Inc. to serve upland Cebu City barangays, provided the company uses a lawful and independent water source that is not covered by any existing contractual commitment to MCWD.

“MCWD welcomes initiatives that seek to provide reliable and safe water to communities that remain underserved. Our position on the proposal of Worlds First Water Ventures Inc. is not intended to prevent other water providers from serving areas that are not currently covered by our services,” the district said in a statement sent to The Freeman.

In its technical assessment submitted to the Cebu City Council, MCWD said it has no objection to the proposed service in Barangays Mabini and Paril, on the condition that Worlds First Water Ventures Inc. taps an independent water source.

The district stressed that its concern relates primarily to the proposed water source.

While Worlds First Water Ventures Inc. has not expressly identified its intended source, corporate records reviewed by MCWD indicate a close relationship between the company and JE Hydro.

JE Hydro’s water supply and facilities are covered by MCWD’s existing Lahug Bulk Water Supply Contract, which provides that JE Hydro may not supply water to entities other than MCWD.

The contract also identifies Barangay Pit-os among the areas where JE Hydro is obligated to deliver water to MCWD.

“For this reason, we have requested that the company disclose and substantiate its proposed water source and establish that it is independent of the water supply and facilities contractually committed by JE Hydro to us before the City Council takes further action on the application,” the water district explained.

MCWD reiterated that it remains supportive of efforts to expand access to safe and reliable water, particularly for underserved communities.

“Our position is simply that such efforts should be undertaken in a manner that respects existing contractual commitments and applicable laws and regulations,” it added .(CEBU NEWS)