Cebu City Council Proposes 'Tubig sa Tanan' Ordinance to Bridge Water Access Gap for Low-Income Families
In a significant move to address long-standing inequities in water distribution, the Cebu City Council is advocating for a new ordinance titled the "Cebu City Inclusive Water Access Program" or "Tubig sa Tanan." This proposed legislation aims to provide affordable and easy water connections to impoverished families, particularly targeting those in low-income communities and informal settlements who have historically faced barriers in accessing clean water.
Addressing the 'Poverty Penalty' in Water Access
According to Councilor Mikel Rama, the proponent of the ordinance, the initiative is a direct response to what he terms the "poverty penalty" in water procurement. Many families without formal water connections often end up paying significantly more by purchasing water from resellers or vending machines. For instance, while the residential rate of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) averages around P20 per cubic meter, households in underserved areas may pay double or even more, depending on supply and location.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Ordinance
The ordinance outlines several critical measures to facilitate water access:
- Revolving Water Connection Fund: The city government will establish a fund to cover connection fees and guarantee deposits, which can reach up to P10,000 per household. Beneficiaries will repay this amount through manageable monthly installments over 24 months, collected alongside their regular water bills.
- City as Guarantor: The Cebu City Government will act as a guarantor for water connections in qualified households, helping to resolve legal concerns in informal settlements where connections might be cut if requested by landowners.
- Priority Expansion Zones: The city will identify clusters of at least 30 households to present as demand groups to MCWD, encouraging infrastructure expansion into communities currently excluded from planning.
Eligibility and Additional Safeguards
To qualify for the program, beneficiaries must meet specific criteria:
- Be a bona fide resident of Cebu City.
- Be certified as indigent or low-income by the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS).
- Have no existing water connection.
Additionally, the ordinance includes a provision allowing the City Treasurer to waive any outstanding balance if a beneficiary's home is destroyed due to fire, storms, or legal demolition, providing further financial protection.
Impact and Community Response
This proposal comes amid reports that many residents have struggled to secure water lines due to high upfront costs. By shifting the initial financial burden to the city, the ordinance seeks to kickstart water service utilization for those most in need. Councilor Rama emphasizes that this is not just a financial aid measure but a strategic effort to promote equitable resource distribution and improve public health outcomes in underserved areas.
The "Tubig sa Tanan" ordinance represents a proactive step by local government to tackle urban poverty and infrastructure gaps, setting a potential model for other cities facing similar water access challenges in the Philippines.
