Kidapawan LGU helps MKWD expand services

KIDAPAWAN CITY -Some P8 million worth of pipes and fitting materials needed to expand water system projects, especially in barangays without existing potable watersupply, were turned over by the local governmentto the Metro Kidapawan Water District (MKWD). The funds come from the Kidapawan City Government and the Cotabato Provincial Government. On Friday, City Mayor Joseph Evangelista led the turnover of construction materials to MKWD general manager Stella Gonzales. The materials were then distributed to at least five barangays, which included Amas, Binoligan, Junction, Macebolig, and Luvimin – where MKWD is set to construct the water projects. Gonzales said at least 500 concessionaires from the remotest villages would benefit from the project. Early this week, the MKWD entered into an agreement with the city government to pay the amount without interest for five years.The payment starts two years after the completion of the project, Gonzales stressed. Last month, the water district received from Cotabato Governor Lala Mendoza some P4 million worth of pipes and fitting materials for the agency’s expansion projects in remotest barangays in Makilala town. In September, the MKWD has completed the installation of additional pipelines in Barangays Saguing and Poblacion in Makilala and Barangay Linangkob in Kidapawan City.The projects amounted to P13.68 million. Gonzales said that LGU-funded water expansion projects help the agency to maintain lower water rates. This is very advantageous to our poor water concessionaires.With these projects, there is no reason for the MKWD to increase water rates.We’re also bringing our services to the remotest villages to provide them safe or potable water,” she explained.