Baciwa-PrimeWater asked to halt minimum charge for consumers with water shortage

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – The City Council of Bacolod has officially requested Baciwa-PrimeWater to consider pausing the minimum billing for customers who have had no water usage, amidst a significant water supply shortage exacerbated by El Niño’s effects.

Councilor Claudio Jesus Raymundo Puentevella, head of the Health and Sanitation/Environment and Ecologies Committees, emphasized the severe impact of El Niño on local water sources and supply in a recently passed resolution.

PAGASA’s declaration that the Philippines is battling the harsh weather conditions of El Niño — characterized by increased temperatures, drought, and dry spells — was noted by Puentevella in the resolution.

He pointed out that the authority to implement or waive these fees rests with the Board of Directors at Baciwa-PrimeWater. Baciwa, established under Presidential Decree 198 and SP Resolution No. 4460 series of 1973, is obligated to manage water supply systems for various uses across the district and handle wastewater management, among other water resource services.

PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. has communicated its commitment to tackling the water scarcity to Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez. Their proposed solution includes supplying a target of 17 million liters of water daily to residents, aiming to significantly alleviate the current water shortage in Bacolod City.