The General Santos Water District (GSWD) has asked the police and barangay for help following the rampant water meter theft in the city.

From March 5 to April 23, 2024, up to 96 water meters have been stolen in several barangays.

At least 42 water meters were stolen in Barangay Mabuhay; 32 in Barangay San Isidro, 12 in Barangay Lagao; two in Barangay Labangal; and eight in Barangay Calumpang.

According to GSWD, the stolen water meters were sold to junkshops for P200 and above.

“Yung nabebenta lang din kasi ang portion of that water meter that is made of brass,” GSWD Commercial Services Department Manager, Sharon Gadayan, said.

Consumers who have lost their water meters will have to pay P1,285 to install new ones. GSWD said the payment can be made on a staggered basis in three months. 

Some residents have opted to put up meter cages and padlock their water meters.

“Ang others kasi has meter cage ang iba naman wala so most likely yung mga walang meter cage yun yung madaling manakaw,” Gadayan said.

GSWD called on the public to secure their water meters and urged authorities to look into the cases.

“Ang metro nila is under their custody naman din kasi. We have already coordinated with the barangay officials and our police stations,” Gadayan added.