Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña has publicly endorsed a proposal to increase water rates by 10 percent, emphasizing the critical need for this measure to maintain a reliable water supply for residents. On April 10, Osmeña acknowledged that price hikes are generally unpopular but argued that this specific increase is essential to prevent service disruptions and address systemic inefficiencies within the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD).
Small Cost, Significant Impact on Households
The proposed rate adjustment is projected to add approximately P23 to the monthly water bill of an average household. Osmeña contends that this modest expense is justified if the additional revenue is allocated toward urgent infrastructure upgrades. Specifically, he highlighted the necessity of repairing broken pipes and eliminating leaks that currently plague the water distribution network.
Addressing Inefficiencies and Water Loss
Currently, the MCWD loses about 35 percent of its treated water due to aging, leaky infrastructure and illegal connections. Osmeña warned that this inefficiency represents a major financial drain on the system, stating, "The agency’s bigger problem is inefficiency," and stressing that halting these losses is crucial for the utility's fiscal health and operational sustainability.
The Growing Threat of Saltwater Intrusion
Beyond infrastructure issues, Osmeña raised alarms about the unregulated use of private wells in Cebu. He explained that excessive groundwater extraction from these wells is causing saltwater to infiltrate the city's freshwater aquifers. When these private sources become contaminated with saltwater, users often revert to the public MCWD system, exacerbating demand and straining resources further.
This dual challenge of infrastructure decay and environmental degradation underscores the urgency of the rate hike. Osmeña's support aims to secure funding not only for immediate repairs but also for long-term strategies to safeguard Cebu's water supply against saltwater intrusion and ensure equitable access for all residents.
