Rama to MCWD: No more excuses

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama did not mince his words when he told the management of Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) that he wants no more excuses in bringing water to every household, including those in the mountain barangays.

MCWD said 80% of its customers have already been served, but it has been observed that there are still many who queue to get water.

Rama, in his last meeting with MCWD and other concerned parties, said there should be enough of those queuing, especially in accident-prone areas.

“Sa MCWD, they said 80% na sila, pero I was already telling them na ayaw mo panghinambog nga inig abot sa 100%, kita lang gihapon tag mga tawo maglinya-linya, especially in the upper portion in the city,“ said Rama.

Rama said he was concerned that those lining up on the street for water, especially in the upland area, may meet an accident.

MCWD assistant general manager for operations Edgar Ortega, in a meeting with Rama, said they are dependent on Visayan Electric on the delivery of water, especially in the upland area.

Rama was also told that water supply in the upland areas may take until December to be addressed, but the mayor told MCWD that there should be no more excuses and that they should be innovative instead.

“They have to be innovative, naa silay buhaton to avoid accident… Kuyawan ko anang maglinya sila unya wa na silay kalibutan nga naa unyay truck didto sa babaw ba, unya walay brake, simbako lang gyud,” said Rama.

“I don’t like seeing any more people who are already suffering in having to get out of their homes and still line up for water. By now, that is already too much,” Rama told Ortega.

With this, Ortega and his public affairs assistant Cesar Pelarca, as reported by the City Hall Public Information Office head Cerwin Eviota, will use booster pumps and connect the tankers through the stub-out, the distribution pipe before the water meters, to send the water to the taps in every household.

Meanwhile, aside from water, the city government has also been promised by the Visayan Electric 70% power restoration by January 16 and 100% hopefully before the month ends.

A 50-man team from MERALCO is also expected to arrive today, Jan. 10, to help up in the power restoration following the request of Rama to business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan. — JMD (FREEMAN)