MCWD told: Listen to what public says on hike

Mayor Michael Rama (CDN FILE PHOTO)

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has asked the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) to send their representatives to the public hearing on the proposed 12 percent water rate increase called by the City Council on May 7.

The mayor made this request after MCWD general manager Armando Paredes sought the cancellation of the public hearing.

Rama said MCWD should also hear the sentiments of the public.

“Any increase is always a burden but if presented what is it for? What is there to hide?

“What is to be expected? That is the very reason why a public hearing is necessary so that the public may know,” he said.

Paredes wrote the City Council to seek the cancellation of the May 7 public hearing because MCWD will be conducting its own information dissemination on the proposed water rate hike among residents in their service area.

Rama said that it is within the powers of the City Council to call for a public hearing and discuss important concerns. But he admitted that the local legislature does not have contempt powers to compel MCWD representatives to attend the public hearing especially since MCWD is an independent body that is governed by its own charter.

The mayor added that the public hearing which MCWD called in 2005 prior to the filing of their petition for a water rate hike can no longer be used as a basis that they have consulted the public on the matter, thus the need to call for a new public hearing.