BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) is asking this city’s water distributors to study the possibility of suspending the imposition of a minimum charge on concessionaires with zero consumption.
In a resolution, the SP said many households suffer from a lack of water supply due to the drought, and it is just reasonable that the minimum charge be temporarily suspended.
Councilor Claudio Jesus Puentevella said this has already been lodged with the Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA) and Prime Water Infrastructure Inc. (PrimeWater), which has the authority to impose or suspend charges.
“It is respectfully requested to the Board of Directors of BACIWA-PrimeWater to study the possibility of suspending the imposition of a minimum charge on water concessionaires with zero consumption due to a shortage of water supply caused by drought and dry spell brought by the El Niño phenomenon,” the resolution said.
BACIWA, created by virtue of Presidential Decree 198 and SP Resolution No. 4460 series of 1973, is mandated to acquire, install, improve, maintain, and operate water supply and distribution systems for domestic, industrial, municipal, and agricultural uses for residents and lands within the boundaries of such districts.
The entity will also provide, maintain, and operate wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal facilities, and conduct other functions and collections incidental to water resource development, utilization, and disposal./PN
