• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Bacolod Councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr. is scheduled to deliver a privilege speech today before the Sangguniang Panlungsod concerning the services of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation.
Gamboa has authored a resolution requesting Mayor Greg Gasataya to immediately suspend the business permit of Primewater Infrastructure for its failure to respond to the pressing problem of dark, smelly, murky and contaminated water, lack of supply, and high cost of water supplied to the constituents of Bacolod City which resulted to massive public outcry and raised serious health and security concerns.
In his resolution, Gamboa said Primewater Infrastructure Corp. failed to secure a business permit for three consecutive years, specifically 2022, 2023, and 2024. The business permit it had obtained for the current year 2025 is highly questionable and irregular since it was only secured on September 5.
Upon suspension of Primewater Infrastructure Corporation’s business permit, the local water district may temporarily assume all responsibilities, obligations, and privileges previously delegated to Primewater without disrupting its service, he said.
Primewater has not invested, as promised, in the joint venture agreement (JVA) and also failed to pay its service contractors and suppliers leading to poor water service and lack of water supply, Gamboa said.
The immediate suspension of Primewater’s business permit will protect the general welfare of the consuming public of Bacolod City as it can no longer provide adequate water services. This will also prevent it from continuing taking Baciwa’s financial income and resources, he added.*
