• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLAO
Water Watch Advocates condemned the “blatant dereliction of duty” by Baciwa Prime Water and the local government of Bacolod City in addressing turbid water and the water shortage crisis in the city.
In his letter to Baciwa general manager Mona Dia Jardin dated May 1, Wennie Sancho, Water Watch Advocates convenor, said “Your inaction and silence are unacceptable, and your priorities are disturbingly misplaced. By ignoring our request for a public hearing and failing to address these critical issues, you have demonstrated a callous disregard for the well-being and rights of Bacolod City’s citizens. Your focus on election campaigns while citizens suffer is not only irresponsible but also a betrayal of public trust.”
“We accuse Baciwa Prime Water and the Bacolod City local government of dereliction of duty in ensuring access to clean, safe, and reliable water; neglecting citizens’ welfare and prioritizing political interests; and for failing to provide transparency and accountability in water management,” Sancho said.
We demand for an immediate public hearing to address the consumers’ concerns; prompt resolution of turbid water and water shortage issues; and accountability for the water utility firm’s failure to serve citizens’ needs, he added.
The dismal failure of Baciwa Prime Water to provide adequate, reliable and efficient water supply for the consumer of Bacolod City, let alone the perennial problem of turbid water is a form of irresponsibility which they condemn in the strongest possible terms. This is grossly disadvantageous to the interests of the people, Sancho said.
The Joint Venture Agreement between Baciwa and Prime Water was not submitted to a referendum despite involving public welfare. The agreement was approved by the BACIWA Board and was later ratified by LWUA. This lack of public consultation and participation undermine public accountability and transparency, he said.
This manifestation is issued during the celebration of the consumers solidarity day sponsored by the alliance of concerned consumers in electricity and social services, Sancho added.
A copy of the manifestation was furnished to Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City; Sonya Verdeflor, chairperson of the Baciwa Board of Directors; and Councilor Claudio Puentevella.
APPRECIATION FOR NEPC
The Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) as a consumer organization, expressed its heartfelt appreciation for the vital role Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) plays in the community, on the occasion of Consumer’s Solidarity Day.
“As a distribution utility (DU), your operation has significantly contributed to the economic and social development of Central Negros,” ACCESS president Wennie Sancho said, in his letter dated May 1 to Bailey Del Castillo, chief operations officer of Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC).
Sancho said Negros Power’s commitment to providing reliable and efficient electricity services has enabled businesses to thrive, households to function smoothly, and essential services to operate effectively.
The benefits of your operation are evident in the following: Improved Quality of Life – reliable electricity supply has enhanced the overall quality of life for residents, enabling them to enjoy basic necessities and comforts; Economic Growth: – your services have supported local businesses, fostering economic growth, job creation, and investment opportunities; and Social Development – electricity has enabled the provision of essential services like healthcare, education, and communication, bridging the gap between our community and the rest of the world, he said in his letter.
“We acknowledge the challenges you face in maintaining and upgrading your infrastructure, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and providing excellent customer service. Your dedication to overcoming these challenges has not gone unnoticed,” Sancho said.
“As we celebrate Consumers Solidarity Day, we recognize the importance of collaboration between consumers, utility providers, and other stakeholders in promoting the welfare of our community. We look forward to continued partnership and cooperation with NEPC in addressing the needs and concerns of our members,” he said.*
