BWD Board decides to up rates this November

By Mark Pasagoy

BAGUIO CITY -- The Baguio Water District (BWD) shall implement an increase on fees collected for maintenance and replacement of defective ½” water meters starting November.
    This, after the BWD Board approved resolution 34-2023 increasing  water meter maintenance fee (WMMF) from P20 to P40.
    BWD general manager engineer Salvador M. Royeca said fee adjustment was unanimously approved by BWD’s top management after thorough review on its impact not only to its operations but to consumersl.
    “BWD determined the need to increase the WMMF in order to include all other direct and indirect expenses incurred in the maintenance and replacement of ½” water meters” Royeca said.
    He added this was to offset impact of inflation in global market on operational expenses of the District on maintenance of water meters such as power, fuel, labor and materials. 
    Presently, the WMMF, as reflected on the existing and old water bills, is P20) but will be increased to P40 starting next month. 
    BWD however, clarified that per existing policy, the cost of replacement of defective or stolen big meters shall be charged to the account owner accordingly. 
    Meanwhile, BWD top management said adjustment of fees was reasonable for customers and operation of the water utility.
    The cost of a ½” water meter delivered by various suppliers to BWD in 2019 is Php1,872.67 as compared in 2023 of Php2,760.00 or a 47.39% increase.
    This increase is a result of global inflation which the water utility needs to cushion to maintain its financial stability and operational efficiency.