The Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) recently approved a resolution seeking an explanation behind the “hefty” rate hikes planned by the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa).

The legislation, penned by Bacolod City Councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr., called upon Baciwa general manager, Atty. Juliana Carbon, and Board Chairman Lorendo Dilag, to provide a clarification.

“There is a need to explain to the Sangguniang Panlungsod by the Bacolod City Water District the upcoming increase of water rates from P208 to P248 for the first 10 cubic meters consumed,” the resolution stated.

The resolution noted, the request is being made in the name of “transparency, accountability, recognition of the power of information, and the valued participation of the citizens.”

According to earlier reports, the increase is being proposed as part of a “new project.”

Last February, Baciwa also approved a resolution to increase the service connection maintenance fee, which was later deferred after City Councilor Dindo Ramos urged the utility to firm to validate the increase with the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

However, Baciwa Board member Mona Dia Jardin said, before they passed the resolution, Baciwa management said a resolution was enough to enact the increase, adding a consultation with LWUA was unnecessary./WDJ