In response to claims by Bacolod Bulk Water Inc. (BBWI) of not receiving payments for water deliveries from the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa), the utility firm claimed they have yet to receive billing statements from BBWI.

Baciwa General Manager Juliana Carbon said they will only pay BBWI once they receive the recommendation to pay.

She added, payment will also be provided once the water supplier complies with provisions in their contract.

While BBWI Chairman Ryan Yapkianwee earlier claimed Baciwa was working through matters, Carbon said there is “nothing to resolve” and that their only duty is to wait for water.

Baciwa and BBWI, a special purpose company composed of several consortiums, finalized a 25-year bulk water supply contract in March 2016. According to the contract, the water supply must flow through the Baciwa reservoir before being distributed throughout the city, however, the supplier was earlier encountering problems negotiating with individuals who owned lands where pipes were being laid.

The general manager noted, Baciwa has been extending assistance to BBWI with regard to contract provisions./NC, WDJ