With the help of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Mayor Beng Climaco hopes to ensure water and power security in Zamboanga City during her last three-year term.

“El ambos supply de coriente y agua necesita para sustene el progreso del diatun ciudad (Both power and water supplies are needed for our city to progress), Climaco declared in her message to the members of the City Council during their maiden session Tuesday.

For water security, the mayor said the city’s water supply management requires the construction of small impounding dams and other water supply system projects.  It also involves policies on rain water harvesting and the establishment of waste water treatment facilities.

“We will also tackle water security through water demand management by strengthening our information and education campaign, adopt water-saving plumbing fixtures and water-efficient facilities,” she stressed.

Under power, Climaco said her administration will explore new options and technologies on alternative energy in government structures and facilities, and to facilitate investments in sustainable power supply. 

She has designated Vice Mayor Rommel Agan to be the city point person on power concerns since he has been meeting with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and parties involved in the power supply.

The mayor was referring to the current problems between the Western Mindanao Power Corp. (WMPC) and the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) under the investment management of Crown/Desco.

Both parties are deadlocked on the extension of their compromise agreement that will ensure continuous electricity in the city, a matter that has been elevated to ERC, for which the vice mayor was designated focal person for the LGU.

Climaco likewise sought the support of the legislature in updating the city’s Investment Code, Revenue Code and the Real Property Tax System to make these sustainable, fair and progressive.

“El de ustedes ayuda ay contribuhi mas para hace mas vivo con el diatun economia y maga negocio. (Your support will contribute to making our city’s economy vibrant), the mayor said, addressing the city councilors.-(Vic Larato)