SP constituted as committee-of-the-whole for LWUA, COWD dispute

IN order to shed light on the issues and to find ways resolving the dispute between the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD), the 20th City Council set up a committee of the whole to be presided by Councilor Romeo V. Calizo.

Separate resolutions were passed during the 114th regular session Monday, presided over by Presiding Officer Pro Tempore Councilor Calizo, following the special report of Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas, regarding LWUA instigating confusion and disorder in the management of the COWD.

“This is not a war between the LWUA and COWD but the LWUA and the city residents. The LWUA is undermining the power of Mayor Rolando A. Uy and disrespected the authority of the regular board”, Councilor Cabanlas stressed.

Based on reports, the LWUA rejected the COWD board’s appointment of Engr. Edna C. Najeal as acting general manager, and extended the takeover of COWD for another six months from March 1, 2025 to August 31, 2025.

It may be recalled that LWUA assumed management functions of the COWD last May 2024 in relation to the impending water crisis.

The legislative body likewise requested the Office of Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) to intervene in the COWD and LWUA interim and regular board issue. (JBDacer/SP)