Baciwa, Prime Water pact scored

By Dolly Yasa

 

BACOLOD City – The secretary-general of a consumers’ group here lambasted the joint venture between the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) and Prime Water for water distribution services.

Wennie Sancho of Water Watch called on the consumers to brace themselves for future water rate increase.

“It is now the beginning of privatization of water industry. Joint venture is just a euphemism, they can tell it to the marines, we were not born yesterday. It is now the commodification and commercialization of water with Prime Water,” Sancho said.

“I am hoping that they will continue to recognize the labor union, but with privatization the union will die a natural death.”

On Friday, Baciwa board chairman Lorendo Dilag announced that Baciwa and Prime Water signed a Joint Venture Contract on water distribution services.

He said that by November 1, or after the 3-month transition period, Prime Water will commence implementing its P1.6 billion pipe-laying project.

Prime Water is set to invest P6.3 billion in the 25-year joint venture.

Dilag said the joint venture is the answer to the water problems of the city.

Considering that Baciwa does not have enough funds for expansion and improvement of services, the board considered a joint venture with a private proponent.

Dilag pointed out that through the partnership, Baciwa aims to improve water availability to 24 hours-seven days a week to existing consumers and new growth areas; install or construct additional transmission and distribution lines supported with technically advanced infrastructure, and replace or rehabilitate aging pipes.

Prime Water Vice President Romeo Sabater said they will bring in their own people in the joint venture but he denied that they will privatize Baciwa and its employees will be displaced.