BY ADRIAN P. NEMES III
Consumers’ group Water Watch Negros is mulling the filing of charges against the Bacolod City Water District for what it called the “multifarious gripes and complaints” from consumers.
Water Watch said in a statement that Baciwa and its partner, PrimeWater, are facing complaints from consumers, ranging from inadequate if not lack of water supply to dismal service.
The group said the consumers are now fed up with all the inconveniences brought about by Baciwa which became worse when it entered into a joint venture agreement with PrimeWater last year.
It also said consumers must have access to enough, clean and affordable water, adding that water should be kept as a common resource to be enjoyed equitably by all.
The group claimed that the “joint venture” and “partnership” between Baciwa and PrimeWater were merely euphemisms to justify privatization and make it sound pleasing to the ears of consumers.
“One of the most irritating problems that the consumers could hardly tolerate is the disturbing episode that occurs after a brownout, once you open the faucet there is a gushing or emission of muddy and dirty water,” the group claimed.
They said the promises of PrimeWater to improve the quality and quantity of water supply in Bacolod City seem to have been forgotten.
Water Watch is studying the specific complaints that it will file against Baciwa and PrimeWater.*
