Cabanlas calls for responsible committee probe on water potability

“LET'S not assume that our water is not potable, because we will create panic to the public.”

Thus, cautioned Majority Floor Leader Councilor Edgar Cabanlas after some of his colleagues in the 20th City Council, presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, exchanged ideas on the special report of Councilor James K. Judith II relative to the potability of water supplied by Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Incorporated (COBI) to its consumers.  

“Let’s set the facts in the proper perspective. It is very presumptuous to say (nga ang) atong tubig sa Cagayan de Oro hugaw,” he said.

While Cabanlas acknowledged the shortcomings in the water supply system, he stated that there are inherent challenges in public utilities all over the world, and that the Water District is not exempt from these imperfections.

He believes that the most crucial role of the city government now is to make sure that the water supply to city residents continues and to avoid unnecessary public alarm.

With this, Councilor Cabanlas referred the matter to the Public Utilities Committee of Councilor Romeo Calizo and the Committee of the Whole for further study and scrutiny.