by Gerry Lee Gorit
The Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) has secured a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) at a court in Misamis Oriental that saved thousands of its water consumers from the threats of having no water.
This, as COBI’s deadline had already ended on April 30, 2024 and COWD continually denied COBI of paying more than P400 million alleged debt they reportedly owed to COBI, citing some provisions in the contract as “questionable.”
On Tuesday at around 10:00 am, COBI’s lawyer sent a text message to the media, informing them that COBI had already terminated its supply of water to COWD.
During an evening press conference, City Councilor Edgardo Cabanlas informed the media that a TRO was issued by Judge Ana Candida Casiño of the Regional Trial Court of Misamis Oriental.
TERMINATION
The cut off of main water pipes that supplies water to barangays in elevated portions resulted in people squandering to potable water.
The barangays that were badly affected include the following” Barangays Pagatpat, Canitoan. Patag, Camaman-an, Gusa, Iponan and Opol in Misamis Oriental.
The effectivity of the TRO, it was learned, was only 72-hours and after it expires on Friday morning, the COBI’s threat to cut off water supply would again make people worried.
ASSURANCE
Cagayan de Oro City mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy assured the water consumers of the City that he would do everything to make water available to everyone, even if there is a standing warning from COBI to cut the services at anytime.
“Atong paningkamotan nga dili gyud mawala ang tubig kay luoy kaayo ang katawhan kung ugaling mahitabo man kana,” the mayor said in vernacular.
COWD General Manager Antonio Young has also shared his sentiment regarding the unscheduled water supply cut off.
Like mayor Uy, Young has also assured water consumers of steady water supply starting with this TRO and other legal remedies.
