Residents and multi-sectoral groups of Bago City are opposing the move to privatize their water district.
The sectoral groups led by the Alliance of Concerned Christians (ACC) of Bago City, an ecumenical and multi-sectoral alliance, are spearheading the information dissemination and campaign against the joint venture agreement between the Bago City Water District (BACIWAD) and PrimeWater Infrastructure Inc., which is owned by the Villar family.
Fr. Chris Gonzales, head of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Bacolod, said the community is alarmed with the impending privatization of the government-run service agency and its possible adverse effects on the consuming public of Bago City.
The Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist together with the pastors of the different denominations and consumer’s groups have expressed opposition to the said merger, which they feel will be detrimental to the community, Gonzales said.
He said the reasons cited for the venture were to improve its services and lack of capitalization.
Late last year, PrimeWater also took over the operations of Bacolod City Water District following its joint venture agreement, which was met by criticisms as the alleged water woes continue.*