MORE than 526 residents of Barangay San Roque, Iligan City, held a forum on April 14 to express their opposition to the pipelining project of JE Hydro in their area.
Barangay Chairwoman Lucia Capangpangan said they will continue to resist the project, stressing there is no need for a private water system as their community has an ample water supply.
“Nganong magsulod ang JE Hydro nga ang among tubig gapang buto na gani sa kakusog,” Capangpangan said.
She also claimed that JE Hydro did not consult their community and yet allegedly secured a resolution to proceed.
“Akong mensahi sa lokal nga pangagamhanan. Naa man tay protocol, naa man tay Council sa Barangay San Roque, bisan labaw mo sa amoa, magrespituhay lang ta kay ang gibuhat ani nga resolution nag hatag ug wala pagkasinabtanay sa kinatibuk-an diri sa barangay,” she added.
Capangpangan questioned the issuance of a resolution from the local government unit without prior consultation with the barangay.
In response, JE Hydro executive Joy Tito, in a previous interview with this paper, said the company had fulfilled all legal and regulatory requirements, including permits, public hearings, and service presentations.
Tito also stated that formal notices were sent to affected barangays regarding the project. She added that the Department of Public Works and Highways has approved the pipeline and assured residents that the water to be supplied will be safe for drinking.
