Bacolod city: The City Council here has urged PrimeWater Bacolod City to address the numerous complaints on its poor service, particularly the 'dark, smelly, and contaminated water' that has affected households in several barangays this week.
According to Philippines News Agency, Councilor Caesar Distrito authored a resolution passed by the City Council, calling for action from the water service provider amid 'the absence of clear communication and accountability' on its part. Distrito emphasized that the residents of Bacolod deserve safe, clean, and potable water, urging PrimeWater-Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) to explain the cause of the water contamination and the measures being taken to address it.
Distrito noted that numerous complaints have been received from residents across the city, who reported that the water from their faucets was dark-colored, foul-smelling, and potentially unsafe for use and consumption. The most populated barangays, including Taculing, Singcang-Airport, Sum-ag, Mansilingan, Banago, Cabug, Pahanocoy, Tangub, Alijis, Bata, and almost all numbered barangays near the downtown area, have been particularly affected.
Distrito described the lack of clear communication and accountability as unacceptable, stating that the issue has escalated beyond a service problem to a public health concern. He announced that the entire City Council, led by Vice Mayor Claudio Jesus Puentevella, plans to personally deliver the resolution to PrimeWater and its joint venture partner Baciwa within the week.
The resolution also calls for PrimeWater Bacolod City to provide a comprehensive public report detailing the cause of the water quality issues, the affected barangays and households, the immediate safety and remedial measures taken, and the long-term solutions being implemented to prevent future occurrences.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in his State of the Nation Address on July 28, acknowledged the pervasive complaints against several water districts and their private partners. He committed to addressing the dismal water service issues and holding those responsible accountable.
