NWRB demands permit for brgy water system

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has directed officials of barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City to secure a water permit and a certificate of public convenience if they wish to operate a waterworks system for their constituents.

NWRB deputy executive director Nathaniel C. Santos had sent a letter to Kalunasan barangay captain Edelito Mabano urging the village chieftain to comply with the law that provides for the need to secure a water permit for a waterworks system.

Santos also said the water rates imposed by the barangay on its consumers also need the approval from the NWRB in accordance with the mandates of the Public Service Law.

The Cebu City Council committee on laws and ordinances presided by Councilor Edgardo Labella has been tasked to study the requirement for a water permit and certificate of public convenience for Kalunasan’s waterworks system.

It was learned that aside from the waterworks system now being operated by barangay Kalunasan, there are four other groups and individuals who are also operating a waterworks system in the barangay.

The barangay’s waterworks system was established by then barangay captain Francisco Pintor in 2006 through the financial assistance from Cebu City south district Rep. Antonio Cuenco and Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

“Nakahukom ko nga ang barangay maghimo na lang og kaugalingong waterworks system kay kining among lugar dinhi wala man g’yod maserbisyohi sa Metro Cebu Water District,” Pintor said.

The 420-foot deep waterworks system is powered by 50 water pumps and it is currently serving more than 100 families in the barangay with water rates much cheaper than those of MCWD. — Rene U. Borromeo/LPM