DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Davao City Water District (DCWD) is currently “tightening its belt” to prevent any adjustments in water supply rates here, despite the soaring prices.
In a press briefing on Monday, DCWD spokesperson Jovana Duhaylungsod said that as of the moment, they still have no intention to seek an increase in its water rate charges.
“All our projects are budgeted accordingly in the next five to six years so that we would not have to resort to water rate increases,” Duhaylungsod said.
Inflation could affect the prices of water pipes and other operational expenses of DCWD, but Duhaylungsod explained that if its ‘high time’ for them to implement a water rate hike, “the increase will still depend on their projection on the cost of service connection vis-à-vis their operational expenditures.”
The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that Davao region has hit 7.1 percent inflation in August this year.
The DCWD last asked for and was granted a 60 percent increase in 2005. Only 30 percent of it was carried out that year. The implementation of the remaining 30 percent was staggered for 10 percent each year on 2012, 2013, and 2014.
On the other hand, the 12-billion Apo Agua bulk water supply project in Davao City is in the pipeline. The project is expected to provide around 300 million liters of water per day.
Duhaylungsod said the project is right on the track with its proposed timeline to be completed on 2021.
“That remains to be seen,” said Duhaylungsod. whether they will implement an increase on water rate charges during that time.
Currently, DCWD minimum water rates is at P54.90 per 10 cubic meters for residential and government establishments while P68.90 to P96.05 per 10 cubic meters for small to medium establishments.
Duhaylungsod added that the public will be informed if there would be any adjustments on water rate charges in the city. (davaotoday.com)
