proposal, Bacolod City Councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr. has called for more background on the matter.

“I have requested [from] Baciwa its five-year financial statement; a comparative study [of] other water districts with joint venture contracts; [and] the history, track record, and financial study of [PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation],” he said in a statement. “Public transparency and accountability must be observed.”

Gamboa had earlier proposed the resolution calling for the said hearing, which requested Baciwa chairman, Atty. Lorendo Dilag, to explain the proposed joint venture.

In operation for over 30 years, PrimeWater provides services including water system development, bulk water supply, water supply improvement and rehabilitation, along with a sewage waste management program.

The motion characterized Baciwa as a “government-owned and controlled corporation,” which makes it “imbued with public interest.”

The city official’s statement also referenced an earlier city resolution that mandates the utility firm to consult with the city government before pursuing such endeavors./WDJ