Cebu City Council Studies Water Access Program for Low-Income Households
The Cebu City Council is currently examining a groundbreaking measure designed to assist low-income families in obtaining clean and affordable water directly in their homes. This new proposal aims to eliminate the costly upfront fees and legal obstacles that currently prevent numerous households from connecting to the main water supply lines.
Introducing the Tubig sa Tanan Initiative
Councilor Mikel Rama has formally introduced a draft ordinance known as the "Cebu City Inclusive Water Access Program," or Tubig sa Tanan. The primary objective of this initiative is to support the city's most impoverished residents. According to Rama, many families are forced to purchase water from resellers or vending machines due to their lack of a formal water connection, which significantly increases their expenses and reduces access to safe water.
Addressing Connection Costs with a Revolving Fund
One of the most significant barriers for families is the P10,000 fee required to establish a new water connection. To tackle this issue, the proposed ordinance recommends the establishment of a Revolving Water Connection Fund. Under this innovative plan:
- The City Government will cover the initial connection fees and necessary deposits.
- Families will then repay the city through small, manageable installments spread over a period of 24 months.
- These payments will be conveniently added to their monthly water bills, simplifying the repayment process.
Overcoming Legal and Infrastructural Hurdles
In many informal settlements, landowners frequently obstruct water connections, leaving families without access. This measure proposes that the City Government act as a "guarantor" for these households, helping to navigate and bypass such legal roadblocks. Additionally, the ordinance seeks to create "priority expansion zones." If at least 30 households in a specific area require water, the City will group them together to encourage the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) to extend its pipelines to that neighborhood. Engineers will supervise the installation to ensure the pipes are safe and do not obstruct public roads.
Eligibility Criteria for the Program
To qualify for assistance through this program, residents must meet several requirements:
- They must be registered residents of Cebu City.
- They must be certified as low-income or indigent by the Department of Social Welfare and Services.
- They must not already have an existing water connection.
The proposal also includes a compassionate safety net: if a family's home is destroyed by events such as a fire, typhoon, or lawful demolition, the city treasurer will have the authority to clear their remaining debt, providing crucial relief during difficult times.
