BACOLOD City – The local government unit (LGU) here has assured residents that there will be no water interruptions after the city’s water utility firm committed to settle its outstanding obligations to the bulk water supplier following immediate coordination among concerned parties.
Residents were earlier alarmed by reports that water service would be disrupted today, December 15, should PrimeWater–Bacolod fail to settle its arrears to Bacolod Bulk Water Inc. (BBWI), amounting to nearly P11 million.
The reports prompted Mayor Greg Gasataya and Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez to immediately act on the issue.
Mayor Gasataya said that after prompt coordination, PrimeWater committed to settle its outstanding obligations to BBWI by noon of December 13.
“Therefore, with the confirmation of BBWI, the public is now assured that no water interruptions will take place in the city,” the local chief executive said.
The city government noted the seriousness of the concern, as about 40 percent of the water supply of the Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA)–PrimeWater is sourced from BBWI’s treatment facilities, including the Granada Water Treatment Facility in Barangay Granada, Bacolod City, and the Sum-ag Water Treatment Plant in Barangay Salvacion, Murcia, Negros Occidental.
Gasataya said it was unfortunate that after the city government intervened to resolve a similar issue in July, another problem arose under the watch of BACIWA, which has the primary obligation under its Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with PrimeWater to ensure that no water crisis occurs in Bacolod.
“On the part of the city government, we will remain firm and steadfast in ensuring that our people continue to receive the kind of public service they truly deserve,” Gasataya said.
“We will never allow the welfare of our constituents to be prejudiced or compromised due to the failure of any party to meet its contractual obligations,” he added.
For his part, Cong. Benitez said he was aware of the statement issued by BACIWA Chairperson Atty. Sonia Verdeflor regarding the issues involving PrimeWater and BBWI.
“Let me be clear and unequivocal: there will be no water interruption. The public is urged to remain calm and assured that the delivery of water services will continue uninterrupted,” Benitez said./PN
