Practice good governance, water districts prodded

MANILA, Philippines - An umbrella organization of water districts in the country has urged stakeholders in the water industry to practice good governance to ensure effective management of the resource as well provide safe and affordable water to the public.

The Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD) was founded on Aug. 31, 1974, and some of its pioneers include the water districts of Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Marawi, San Pablo, Davao and Cebu.

When it was set up, the PAWD was reeling from the fate of the National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority (Nawasa), which had failed and eventually abolished.

PAWD president Alfredo Silva said their group primarily aims to be an active partner in promoting and fostering the well being of all water districts in the country.

“It aims to achieve this by serving as a national forum and clearinghouse for all matters and problems that surround the operations of water districts. The PAWD also provides opportunities for its members to build stronger relationships and cooperate to ensure that water districts have a future in the Philippines,” Silva said.

He said the PAWD aims to work with both public and private entities to develop and conserve water resources, and look for more efficient ways of distributing water to consumers.

The PAWD is set to hold a conference with the theme “Good Governance Toward Effective Water Management” this month.

In the conference, the PAWD leadership will highlight the organization’s continuous efforts to attain its goals, its achievements in the past years, and the latest innovations in the water industry.

At present, PAWD has 586 water districts as members, 464 of which are operational.

These water districts employ a total of 35,000 people and serve 604 towns and 92 cities, accounting for 21 percent of the population.