Capitol takes over management of Daanbantayan water system

CEBU, Philippines - Capitol has stepped into the conflict between the municipal officials of Daanbantayan and members of Tapilon Rural Waterworks and Sanitation, Inc. as it took over the management of the water system.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said the provincial government decided to take over the operations of TRWSI to ensure services to the people in the barangay.

Garcia said she wants no interruption of water supply in Barangay Tapilon while the cases filed by the two parties are still pending in court.

An agreement was entered into in relation to Capitol’s taking over of the management of the water system.

Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura signed the agreement on behalf of the municipal government while Joel Russel, manager of the waterworks, signed on behalf of TRWSI.

Garcia also signed the agreement after a meeting with both parties at the Capitol.

Both parties claim ownership and management of the water system.

The agreement said the final resolution of the case would probably take a long time considering the factual and legal issues involved.

It said that the pendency of the case would have a negative effect on the water system’s delivery of water to the consumers.

The situation, the agreement added, may become a volatile issue in the May 10, 2010 elections.

Under the agreement, Garcia has the authority to supervise the water system’s operations. – Jose P. Sollano/LPM    (FREEMAN NEWS)