Hedcor, DWCD battle over Tamugan River continues

Davao City councilors to take look-see of hydropower site

By ROGER M. BALANZA

The Davao City Council would conduct an ocular inspection on Wednesday of the site in Tamugan, Marilog district where Hedcor plans to build mini-hydro power dams.

The inspection by three council committees comes as Hedcor seeks an endorsement from the city council for the hydro projects aiming to backstop Davao Light with power. The Aboitiz-owned Davao Light is a sister company of Hedcor.

The project is being opposed by Davao City Water District (DCWD) which also plans to build a dam on the same site as part of its surface water development program.

Both Hedcor and DCWD would be tapping the Tamugan and Panigan River in their respective projects.

The ocular inspection would be conducted by the committees on transportation, energy and communication chaired by Pilar Braga, the committee on environment chaired by Leonardo Avila, and the committee on rules chaired by Danilo Dayanghirang.

Hedcor is still to secure a Water Permit from the National Water Regulatory Board (NWRB). DCWD, granted by the agency a permit in 1997, said the Hedcor project would derail the surface water project.

The Hedcor project is not only facing opposition from DCWD but would also violate the Davao City Watershed Code authored by councilor Arnolfo Ricardo Cabling.

The code has declared Tamugan as a Conservation Area where any form of commercial activity is banned.

Yesterday, City Planning and Development Coordinator Mario Luis Jacinto said Hedcor could not undertake its project unless the Watershed Code is amended.