Consumers group Water Watch Advocates (WWA) is calling on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to revoke the joint venture agreement of the Bacolod City Water District and PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp.
In a petition addressed to the president on Monday, May 5, WWA represented by its convenor Wennie Sancho, called for the revocation of the JVA because it “has resulted in substandard water quality, particularly turbid water, affecting the health and well-being of consumers.”
“The JVA has resulted in substandard water quality, particularly turbid water, affecting the health and well-being of consumers”, the petition said.
WWA cited the lack of ratification of the JVA. It said the joint venture contract was not submitted to the consumers for ratification, violating their right to participate in the decision-making process.
It also cited the City Council’s alleged refusal to hold a public hearing on the issues surrounding the JVA, PrimeWater’s failure to provide safe and potable water, gross negligence, and the JVA’s terms that they believe are disadvantageous to the consumers.
WWA called for a thorough investigation into the water quality issues and other concerns.
Alternative arrangements should be explored to ensure access to safe, potable, and affordable water for Bacolod City consumers, it said.
“The petition serves as an initial submission, and we intend to gather signatures from fellow consumers in support of this petition,” Sancho said.*