• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
A resolution urging the Baciwa-Primewater to either reduce proportionately the minimum water rate charges to consumers affected by frequent water shortages, or to refrain from collecting minimum water charge on consumers affected by a month of no water supply, was approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod yesterday.
The resolution authored by Councilor Vladimir Gonzalez, and co-authored by Councilors Renecito Novero and Claudio Puentevella said water means life, therefore, without water, humans cannot exist.
Bacolod City today is faced with a water supply crisis, in that most of the service areas of the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa)-Primewater are either suffering from frequent water interruptions, poor quality of water, or lack of water supply, it said.
Despite the above mentioned situations of water consumers and the people of Bacolod City in general, consumers are still being charged with unconscionable water rates, specifically minimum water rate charges of P220, even with the lack of water supply or prolonged water interruptions, the resolution said.
This continuing burden on the consumers without the necessary water services, constitute clear violations of the contractual obligation and unjust enrichment on the part of Baciwa-Primewater and the deprivation of due process on the part of water consumers, in that they are being deprived of their meager income to pay for the water bills, in lieu of threatened disconnection in case of non-payment, it said.*
