COWD gets 12-day extension to pay bill

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: The Metro Pacific Water Inc. (Metropac) has given a 12-day extension for its notice of water disconnection to Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD), City Councilor James Judith announced on Friday, March 15.

Judith made the announcement during the fourth and last day of the fact-finding committee hearing to review the contract between the COWD and the Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. (COBI), which is part of the Metropac consortium.

COBI has sent four notices of disconnection to COWD with a final one on March 31, 2024, unless the latter pays its water bill of more than P426 million.

In consideration of the City Council’s request to defer the disconnection of water supply, the deadline has been moved to 12 days.

COBI, however, expects COWD to carry out its contractual obligations, fully pay the amount, or arrive at an acceptable payment plan on or before April 12, 2024.

Lawyer Ralph Rodrigo, who represented Metropac and COBI at the hearing, said on Friday that the company will exercise what it thinks is necessary and within the law if COWD fails to settle its obligations.

More than 85,000 households rely on COWD for their water supply.

Judith, chairman of the fact-finding team, will submit a report to Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy who will decide the appropriate action to take to solve the problem.

Earlier, Judith said that it is “illegal” to disconnect water supply to the consumers.

Geri Caño, chairman of the COWD board of directors, also pointed out the cutting of water supply was not mentioned in the joint venture agreement signed by COWD and COBI.