BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. vowed to help settle the ongoing rift between the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) and bulk water supplier Flo Water Resources Iloilo, Inc.
The governor was reacting to reports that Flo Water will stop supplying water to MIWD on May 12 for not paying for the water delivered.
Defensor said he will seek contract terms and conditions mutually acceptable to both parties.
He also said he will seek a meeting with Iloilo City’s Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Ilonggo Senate President Franklin Drilon.
“The welfare of the people should prevail over and above the interests of businessmen,” the governor added.
According to Iloilo City councilor Plaridel Nava, MIWD owes Flo Water P111 million.
“He told me they had sent a demand letter addressed to MIWD, giving them 15 days to settle their accounts. By May 12, should MIWD fail to pay Flo Water, the latter would cut its water supply,” said Nava.
MIWD is said to have incurred a P24-million debt from another water supplier, Iloilo Primewater Ventures, Inc.
City residents and the business sector are anxious. MIWD only serves 20 percent of Iloilo City’s total population.
Aside from Iloilo City, MIWD’s franchise area also covers the Iloilo municipalities of Leganes, Oton, Cabatuan, Maasin, Pavia, Sta. Barbara and San Miguel./PN
