• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The president of the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) is requesting the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Bacolod City to hold a public hearing on BACIWA-PrimeWater’s failure to provide adequate and clean water supply to the consumers of Bacolod City.
Wennie Sancho, in his letter dated April 6 to Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, said ACCESS is writing to express its deep concern and frustration over the dismal failure of BACIWA-PrimeWater to provide adequate and clean water supply to some areas in Bacolod City.
“Access to clean and potable water is a basic human right and is essential to our daily lives. Unfortunately, the water supply provided by BACIWA-PrimeWater has been consistently inadequate, with many areas experiencing frequent interruptions, low water pressure, and turbid, or dirty water,” he said.
The voluminous complaints from affected residents and businesses have fallen on deaf ears so the problem continues to persist. This is unacceptable and demands immediate attention from your honorable office, he said.
In the light of this situation, ACCESS respectfully request that the SP conduct a public hearing to investigate the following: adequacy of water supply – the ability of BACIWA-PrimeWater to provide sufficient water supply to meet the demand of Bacolod City’s growing population; water quality – the consistent presence of turbid and dirty water in the distribution system and the measures being taken to address this issue; and accountability and transparency – the responsibility of BACIWA-PrimeWater in ensuring the provision of adequate and clean water supply and the transparency of their operation will decision making process, Sancho said.
“ACCESS believes that a public hearing will provide an opportunity for concerned citizens, businesses, and stakeholders to voice their concerns and demand accountability from BACIWA-PrimeWater. We are urging the SP to take immediate action on the matter as the lack of access to clean and potable water poses serious health risks and economic burden to our people,” he added.*
