Bacolod City Hall to act as ‘water middleman’

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez gave an ultimatum to the Bacolod City Water District-PrimeWater and two bulk water suppliers to come up with an acceptable contract in the next two weeks to improve the supply here.

Benitez said that he called for an emergency water stakeholder’s meeting as they discussed with the suppliers and PrimeWater last Thursday to have a signed agreement so they can focus on the construction of a better water pipe network and increase the supply in the city.

Last month, the city held a water summit, wherein it was found out that lack of water supply is the main problem here.

It was discussed at that time that 20 million liters a day (MLD) is needed by the city to address the water concern.

Around 15 MLD will be sourced from the bulk water supplier, while 5 MLD will come from Buro-Buro Spring in Barangay Alangilan here.

“I gave them an ultimatum that by this week or the latest next week, I want a signed agreement,” Benitez said.

Benitez said the remaining issues were discussed during their meeting, and he proposed that the city engage bulk water suppliers and supply water with PrimeWater to expedite the process.

He added that both sides accepted his proposal.

“Ang city mabakal tubig sa bulk water suppliers then ibaligya sa PrimeWater,” Benitez said. “On paper, we’re the supplier,” he said.

However, he clarified that the city will not generate an income from the set-up.

“We will be transparent. I don’t think the city needs to make money from this arrangement. Pass through lang ni ang commercial terms. Daw middleman si local government unit (LGU),” Benitez said, adding that this is one of the solutions they have agreed in order to expedite the process.

With this development, Benitez said that the city has more flexibility with the other permits, and it will also shorten the time frame needed to get things done.

Benitez expected to have their draft contracts submitted last Monday, for the City Legal Office to review.

“What we’re saying is we don’t want to burden our households sang increased water price. Kay wala na gani tubig, pataasan mo pa,” the mayor said.