Water Watch Advocates, a consumer advocacy group in Bacolod City, commended Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Chief Jose Moises Salonga for his commitment to addressing the pressing concerns of the Filipino consumers.
In response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive, Salonga spearheaded LWUA’S operation in response to the mounting issues filed against Prime Water Infrastructure Corp. His leadership and dedication have been instrumental in pushing for transparency, accountability and reform within the water service sector, said a statement from the group.
Water Watch Advocates convenor Wennie Sancho believes that the efforts of Salonga and LWUA have sent a strong message that the voices of the water consumers will be heard and that those responsible for the woes in our water utilities will be held accountable. Water Watch Advocates is committed to continuing its advocacy and supporting initiatives that prioritize the welfare of the people in line with the goal of LWUA.
A signature campaign has been launched urging the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City to nullify the water service agreements or JVAs between Baciwa and Prime Water, citing its detrimental effects on public interest and violation of laws and regulations. The campaign calls for a thorough public hearing and consultation to prioritize the people’s right to access safe and potable water and efficient services. The public hearing will serve as a platform that would empower the consumers to voice their grievances officially and to compel Baciwa Prime Water to address the complaints.
Most consumers nationwide describe Prime Water as costly, but its services are unstable highlighting the flow of murky water which is unfit for household use. When water is available it is frequently turbid and foul smelling as reported in Bacolod City and Angeles City. The water is “unusable” for cooking and bathing, forcing the consumers to rely on mineral or bottled water, hitting the low-income family hardest. There were allegations of prioritized water distribution to Villar owned subdivisions prompting Water Watch Advocates to declare that access to clean and potable water is a right and not a privilege.
Prime Water has turned access to water, which is a fundamental right, into a daily struggle for the consumers. But the inspections and review by LWUA nationwide of the water services provided by Prime Water will determine if there are breaches in service delivery standards, implementation gaps and non-compliance and issues in enforcement and arbitration mechanisms in the water service agreements, the statement added.
Salonga affirmed LWUA’S full readiness in leading a comprehensive investigation into alleged deficiencies of Prime Water. LWUA is determined to uphold the rights and welfare of every Filipino in accessing clean and potable water, he assured.*
