Hedcor, Inc. welcomed Mayor Rodrigo Duterte pronouncement that he will ask the City Council to amend the city’s Watershed Code so that structures could be erected within the watershed areas of the city.
This, in turn, could mark the end of the deadlock between Hedcor, which is the largest developer of run-of-river hydropower in the Philippines, and the Davao City Water District (DCWD) on the use of the Tamugan River.
The Watershed Code of Davao City prohibits the erection of any structure within the watershed areas of the city.
“We welcome the positive reaction to the new scheme we submitted a few weeks ago,” Hedcor president and Chief Operating Officer Rene Ronquillo said in a statement.
“Considering the finite water sources of the city, multi-use of the Tamugan river would be the most beneficial way forward for Davao City’s consumers. We are aware of the Watershed Code of Davao and are confident both our projects will comply with its requirements,” Ronquillo added.
Duterte had ordered Hedcor and DCWD during last Friday’s meeting of the Davao City Peace and Order Council to “come into terms by March 20.”
He also pledged to convince the City Council to immediately amend the city’s Watershed Code.
Last Monday, however, councilor Leo Avila said while the Council is considering Duterte’s request, the amendment to the code would take time and may not be completed within the current Council.
He said this could mean that the proposed amendments would have to be tackled by the next City Council.
Hedcor wants to harness Tamugan River for its proposed Tamugan Hydropower Project while DCWD wants to tap it as its surface water source.
Ronquillo said for four years, Hedcor has been constantly communicating with DCWD towards a solution addressing their concerns.
“The goal is co-existence of the two projects: providing Davao City with potable water supply, and clean and renewable energy. Such win-win approach spells multiple benefits for the surrounding communities, and local and national governments,” he said.
Ronquillo said to propel the city’s continued progress, Davao City can have both development projects, DCWD’s Surface Water Project and Hedcor’s Tamugan Hydropower Project.
“Davao City need not choose between potable water, or clean and renewable energy. The goal is not an either-or, because Dabawenyos can have both,” he said. Diana Lhyd Suelto |
