Bacolod: Consumer groups are seeking an end to the joint venture agreement (JVA) between the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) and PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. as majority of the consumers in this highly-urbanized city continue to experience poor service and low water quality.

According to Philippines News Agency, Water Watch Advocates, represented by its convenor Wennie Sancho, has petitioned President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the revocation of the JVA, citing substandard water quality, particularly turbid water, which affects consumer health and well-being. The petition calls for a thorough investigation into the water quality issues and urges exploration of alternative arrangements to ensure safe, potable, and affordable water for Bacolod City consumers.

The petition also points out the lack of ratification, as the contract was not submitted for consumer approval, violating their right to participate in decision-making. Additionally, the City Council’s refusal to conduct a public hearing on the agreement has denied consumers their right to voice concerns and partake in the oversight process. Sancho emphasized that the petition is an initial submission, with plans to gather more signatures from fellow consumers.

Amlig Tubig, an alliance of concerned water consumers based at the Diocese of Bacolod Social Action Center, noted a pattern of declining service in water districts associated with PrimeWater. They highlighted the enduring deterioration of water service in Bacolod over the past five years. In a statement, Amlig Tubig, along with the Baciwa Employees Union-National Federation of Labor Unions, urged other water districts and local governments with similar JVAs to reconsider their agreements and restore public management of water services.

The call for the revocation of the Baciwa-PrimeWater JVA coincides with an investigation by the Local Water Utilities Administration into PrimeWater’s 73 JVAs with local water districts nationwide, initiated by President Marcos last week.

The Villar Group’s water utility firm assumed control of Baciwa operations in November 2020, pledging a PHP1.6 billion investment to enhance Bacolod’s water supply system over the first five years of its 25-year agreement. However, as of March 24, only 47.45 percent of Bacolod enjoys a 24-hour water supply, with the average availability being 19.11 hours daily.