A special task force was formed to look into possible interventions the local government of Cagayan de Oro can avail of amid the contract dispute between the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) and bulk water supplier Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Supplier Inc. (COBI).

Mayor Rolando Uy has issued an executive order creating the Cagayan de Oro Special Task Force for Water Supply and Distribution.

Among the tasks of the group is to look for alternative water suppliers and craft contingency plans should there be a massive water supply disruption.

The task force is also tasked to review the contract entered into between COWD and COBI.

Uy created the task force following COBI’s threat to discontinue water supply because of the COWD’s supposed unpaid financial obligation amounting to more than P426 million, which the latter denied.

The city government has assured the public that contingency plans are in place to ensure a continuous water supply and prevent inconvenience for the consumers.

“I would like to assure the public that our office and City Hall are ready with our contingency plans. We’ve also called on others to help us (with our problem). The public have no reason to fear as we will ensure that they will still have water (with or without COBI),” Uy said in vernacular.

The city’s legislative body is also set to meet with the COWD’s Board of Directors to discuss the contract.