The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) said it was taking control of almost 100 water districts whose performances and services have been poor in the last few years.
At the same time, the agency said it was in the process of developing a socialized water rate to help indigent members of the community to avail themselves of water district services.
Under Presidential Decree No. 198, LWUA has the authority to take over water districts that have failed to meet their service and expected revenues. It has yet to release the list of water districts that it would temporarily control.
A water district is a local corporate entity that operates and maintains a water supply system in one or more provincial cities or municipalities.
“Our move is aimed at ensuring that clean water will be continuously distributed to residents at an affordable rate,” said LWUA administrator Guiling Mamondiong. “We want to install more service connections.”
He added that the interim takeover process is currently ongoing, stressing that this was in line with President Duterte’s marching order to provide all Filipinos with a reliable water supply.