Extra water supplier eyed

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Councilor Aldin Diaz is proposing to let Helpmate Inc. develop and operate a water system in the city in response to the water supply problem.

In his proposed Resolution No. 2014-19-11, Diaz said Helpmate Inc., which is offering to supply water to residents at minimal cost, has submitted a proposal in order to develop a public water supply system in the barangays of Biasong, Dumlog, Mohon and Pooc.

"Some areas and barangays of the City of Talisay are not being served or are inadequately served by the water supply of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District. There is a need to provide adequate potable water supply in the aforesaid areas, not only to protect the health of the residents but also to spur their economic development," Diaz said in his resolution.

Diaz said the Local Government Code encourages the participation of the private sector in local governance, particularly in the delivery of the basic services to ensure the viability of the local autonomy as an alternative strategy for sustainable development.

If the council will authorize the water supply firm, Diaz said the city shall issue permit upon application to perform excavation and civil works for the pipeline and to drill production wells and develop the necessary infrastructure.

According to Diaz, the water extracted from wells within the city shall be subject to royalty fee at the rate of 10 centavos per cubic meter of water if sold to domestic users and at the rate of P0.75 per cubic meter if sold to MCWD or transported to Cebu City.

"The credentials of Helpmate Inc. show that it is a duly established corporation with extensive experience in the development and operation of piped water systems," he added. — (FREEMAN)