Water Watch Advocates convenor Wennie Sancho is calling for an in-depth investigation by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City into the non-payment of water supply between PrimeWater and the Bacolod Bulk Water Inc. (BBWI) because it is likely linked to the broader controversy surrounding PrimeWater’s Joint Venture Agreement (JVA).
Several cities including Bacolod have been experiencing poor water services, substandard water quality and frequent disruptions under the PrimeWater management, Sancho said in a statement.
If this non-payment issue is not addressed, it will exacerbate the situation and the consumers will continue to suffer poor water services including health risks due to substandard water quality, increased financial burden for high water rates, and lack of reliable services and disruptions to daily life and economic activities, he said.
Sancho said there should be a public hearing on the matter of BACIWA PrimeWater, including the Bacolod Bulk Water Inc., to make public the water service agreement between the two parties, for purposes of transparency and accountability. The consumers have the right to be informed and to be involved in decisions that affect their access to essential services like water.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City should pass a resolution to consider the revocation of the JVA between BACIWA and PrimeWater. There should be a restoration of public management of water services and a thorough investigation by the Bacolod City Water Supply Quality Monitoring Council, with the participation of a consumer representative into water quality issues and alternative arrangements to ensure access to safe, potable and affordable water supply, his statement added.*
