MCWD’s board of directors, in mass motion, appointed Edgar H. Donoso as the new full-fledged general manager of the water district effective Friday, Dec. 16, 2022.
Donoso has been MCWD’s acting general manager since Oct. 5 this year following the retirement of former general manager Stephen D. Yee.
Donoso, 61, earned his Accounting degree from the University of San Carlos in 1982 and passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) board exam in 1984. He also finished a Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Cebu in 2006.
Donoso has been working for MCWD for 35 years. He started as a relief clerk in 1983 and was promoted to several positions like accounting clerk, chief accountant, manager of the Accounting Department before he was appointed assistant general manager for finance in December 2008.
Donoso thanked the BOD for their trust and confidence in him.
“I know it is not an easy time for MCWD, but with your support, next year will be a better year for MCWD. I humbly accept the challenge,” he said.
Donoso also assured the employees as well as the consumers of MCWD that he will devote his time, effort and skills for their welfare.
Reducing non-revenue water
Donoso has included in his priority programs the reduction of non-revenue water (NRW), increasing the coverage of MCWD by developing additional water sources and achieving a stronger financial standing of the water district.
NRW is water that has been produced but did not reach the consumers and is not translated to revenues. Among the factors that cause the NRW to increase are leaks, pilferage, water used in firefighting and unbilled water extraction. High levels of NRW are detrimental to the financial viability of the water district.
In its 2021 annual audit report, the Commission on Audit called MCWD’s attention after its NRW reached 29.04 percent, which is over the acceptable minimum rate of 20 percent.
MCWD has taken key measures focused on non-revenue water reduction like active leak detection efforts and 24/7 leak repair and has earmarked a considerable amount for its pipeline renewal projects which include replacement of dilapidated lines.
To address the gap between the supply and demand for potable water within Metro Cebu, MCWD will procure desalinated water from desalination plants which will be developed within its service area.
Just recently, its Lusaran Bulk Water Project has started supplying water to residents of Busay, Lahug and Apas in Cebu City.
MCWD is also seriously considering the purchase of water supply from other sources outside of Cebu. (JKV, PR)