Balilihan mayor Ma. Pureza Veloso – Chatto answers issues around the bulk water project in the said town. She spontaneously gave answers to issues regarding the project raised in the social media post on Tuesday, September 8, 2020.
The mayor denied allegations that the Balilihan water will be brought to other towns outside of Balilihan. Mayor Chatto emphasized that the water from Bugwak Spring will not and will never be brought to Dauis and Panglao. The water from the spring will be used by the people of Balilihan. She added that the water from Hanopol will be brought to old water tanks located at Del Carmen Weste, Del Carmen Sur, Sal-ing, and Cabad. The water from Hanopol will also be brought to new water tanks in Tagustusan-Sto. Niño and Boctol, all located in Balilihan town.
Moreover, the mayor clarified that the Bulk Water Project is owned by the local government unit (LGU) through the Balilihan waterworks.
The mayor also stressed that there are no plans to increase the water rates. The rates will be based on the stipulations of the Balilihan Revenue Code and an increase in rates, if there will be any, will be through the passage of an ordinance.
Mayor Chatto debunked issues that the project is a “treasure hunting” on. A Cebu-based consultant is tapped to formulate the Balilihan Water Master Plan. The project was given funds from the national government through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) . It was through the efforts of Mayor Chatto and the first district congressman Edgar Chatto that the said project was given funding.
The result of the project bidding named the Achacoso Construction and General Enterprise, based in Leyte as the winner. The bid result was annouonced on March 2020 but the project implementation was delayed due to the Covid pandemic.
The lady mayor continued by saying that due to the covid pandemic, travel restrictions were imposed and one of those affected is the contactor who was able to arrive in Balilihan only in June 2020 and the construction equipment and materials arrived only in August 2020.
Moreover, Mayor Chatto denied insinuations that the LGU is deceiving the people of Balilihan. She said that since the start of the project’s planning, the LGU has been properly following the process in the development of the water project.
The town government has a conditional water permit from the National Water Resources Board (NWRB). Balilihan was given a year to develop the project and to submit an environment clearance so the LGU can be given water rights.
The mayor of Balilihan said the water project needs additional funding so it can be fully completed.
Furthermore, Mayor Chatto bared that the water master plan will be followed in the rehabilitation of the water pipe system that will distribute water from the water tanks to the houses of water service subscribers.
The young and articulate lady mayor answered the issues “in order to set the records straight”.