The continued refusal by the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) to acknowledge and pay outstanding obligations to the water concession holder, Cagayan de Oro Water District (COBI), finally compelled the utilities company to shut off the water mains, leaving hapless residents and business entities without the critical service.
“Rio Verde Water Consortium Inc. and Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. (COBI) deeply regrets to inform the residents of Cagayan de Oro City that, as of 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, that the main supply valves supplying both the east and west pipelines leading to the water distribution of the water district have been closed,” lawyer Rob Rodrigo said in a statement.
The denial of service, once believed could be settled without anyone taking drastic action, highlights the ongoing tussle between the local city government and its wards on one hand and its utilities service provider on the other hoping to put closure to a long simmering issue of payments for services rendered.
COBI has since asked COWD to acknowledge intent of settling what it owes the former and actually pay for even just a portion of its obligations so that the service can continue to pay not just itself as a business enterprise but serve the needs of its consumers as well.
But this has not happened, obviously.
“We recognize the importance of a reliable water supply and have made every effort to reach an amicable resolution with Cagayan de Oro Water District. However, due to the current circumstances, we are forced to temporarily cut water services until the situation is rectified,” lawyer Rodrigo said.
“COWD has not provided a formal response regarding outstanding payables owed to COBI, including the outstanding balance for the March 2024 bulk water bill. These payments are essential to ensure continued operation and maintenance of the water treatment plant,” he added.
According to the lawyer, COBI remains committed to working with COWD to find a swift solution to the contending parties.
