Bacolod: Consumer welfare groups in Bacolod are continuing to demand improved water services following confirmation by city officials that PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. has been acquired by another company. Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and Councilor Roberto Rojas confirmed in separate media interviews that the Villar-owned water company, which has a joint venture agreement with Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa), has been sold. However, they did not disclose the identity of the new owner.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed his primary concern over the delivery and supply of water to Bacolod residents. He emphasized the importance of enhancing PrimeWater's services and stated that the responsibility lies with the company to decide whether to inject additional capital. The city government's focus remains on the quality of services provided. Mayor Gasataya also mentioned the necessity of discussions with the water district and the new owner once the sale is finalized.
In recent months, PrimeWater Bacolod City has faced numerous complaints regarding poor service, specifically issues with 'dark, smelly, and contaminated water,' frequent service disruptions, and questionable financial standing. Benitez reported the sale after PrimeWater settled its three-month outstanding obligations with Bacolod Bulk Water Inc. (BBWI) on December 13, shortly after the water supplier issued a notice of disconnection.
Water Watch Advocates convenor Wennie Sancho stated the intention to seek clarification on PrimeWater's sale from the city council through Rojas, the chairperson of the committee on energy and public utilities. Sancho plans to request a public hearing to address the issue, emphasizing its implications for public health and welfare. He also called for the disclosure of the new owner's identity and clarification on the status of the joint venture agreement between Baciwa and PrimeWater.
Meanwhile, the water consumers alliance Amlig Tubig criticized the Baciwa-PrimeWater contract, describing it as 'grossly onerous, one-sided, and designed to favor private interests over public welfare,' and called for the contract's nullification. Lawyer Cesar Beloria, co-convenor of the Council of Concerned Citizens, asserted that the public deserves clear and lawful answers regarding the ownership change, highlighting the legal framework governing such developments in public utilities.
