ONGOING delays in securing permits from the Lapu-Lapu City Government are hindering the pipeline projects of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), potentially affecting water supply improvements for around 20,000 households in 19 barangays, according to the utility firm.
In a statement on Monday, April 7, 2025, MCWD said the stalled projects are preventing the distribution of additional water volume from new sources, leaving residents in several barangays with limited or no 24-hour water service.
The most significantly affected project is the P109-million transmission and distribution pipeline running from Barangay Agus to Mactan Circumferential Road.
SunStar Cebu reported on Tuesday, April 1, that Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan had suspended all MCWD excavation works until the water district properly restores a road section in Barangay Maribago.
Chan stated that the City Government will not issue permits to MCWD for excavation works until the area is properly restored.
These delays have caused financial strain for MCWD’s contractor, which has requested contract termination due to the prolonged permit waiting periods.
The City Engineering Office (CEO) clarified that permit delays for MCWD projects are a result of the water district’s failure to meet agreed completion timelines. This has led to complaints from residents about unfinished roadwork, as the installation of pipelines involves digging up roads.
In response, MCWD general manager Edgar Donoso revealed that during an inspection, portions of the project in Mactan had been temporarily restored, as the work only involved interconnecting the distribution pipelines.
However, Philkonstrak Development Corp., MCWD’s contractor for the utility’s Agus-Mactan project, has requested a permit from the City Government to resume work on the distribution line, but officials are still processing the permit.
“There are nine points in the project that were temporarily restored, with only two sustaining slight damage due to traffic flow… While awaiting approval, Philkonstrak repeatedly restored the affected portions, but passing vehicles caused further damage,” MCWD said.
This vital infrastructure will carry water from the desalination plant in Cordova and the Basak bulk water supply, which together can provide an additional 35,000 cubic meters of water per day.
The project has faced delays due to difficulties in obtaining permits from the City Government, suspensions caused by events and ongoing roadwork. Work has been halted since September 2024 due to unresolved permit issues and traffic concerns.
Clarification
CEO head Perla Amar clarified in a phone interview with SunStar Cebu on Tuesday, April 8, that the issuance of permits is not delayed in itself.
She explained that Mayor Chan’s concern stems from MCWD’s failure to meet the agreed-upon timeline for completing the projects. Consequently, the mayor decided not to grant further extensions, as residents and motorists have been complaining.
“They promised that they would finish the activities within the agreed timeframe, but they didn’t fulfill it. That’s why the mayor said we cannot give them more chances because the people are complaining about the inconvenience and discomfort,” Amar said in a mix of Cebuano and English.
“As of now, the mayor is hesitant to issue permits for excavations,” she added.
Amar suggested that MCWD meet with the mayor to reaffirm their commitment to properly managing excavation work.
The Department of Public Works and Highways, the agency responsible for issuing excavation permits to MCWD, was also informed by Amar of any intervention in the matter.
SunStar Cebu attempted to reach out to Mayor Chan for comments but had not received a response by press time.
Beyond the Agus-Mactan pipeline, several other MCWD projects face similar permit bottlenecks, including pipeline expansions in P. Rodriguez St., Looc and Basak to Marigondon.
The effects of MCWD’s delayed projects are particularly felt in Barangays Babag, Maribago and Punta Engaño, which currently lack a continuous 24-hour water supply.
While MCWD recently commissioned a bulk water supply project specifically for Punta Engaño, the delayed pipeline projects are crucial for ensuring consistent and adequate water distribution to these and other areas in the city.
“These pipeline expansion projects are crucial for improving water access and meeting the city’s growing demand for potable water,” MCWD said.
“The resumption of the pipe-laying projects is crucial and time-sensitive to ensure the supply and delivery of water to approximately 20,000 households in Lapu-Lapu City,” it added.
The delays have also led to financial struggles. Philkonstrak, the contractor for the Agus-Mactan project, has requested a mutual termination of its contract with MCWD due to the costs incurred from the prolonged waiting period for permits.
The repeated postponements have prompted MCWD to seek clarification from the City Government regarding road restoration workmanship issues, indicating a growing concern over the protracted approval process.
The water agency serves 19 out of 30 barangays in Lapu-Lapu City. / DPC
