By CESAR JOLITO III
Bacolod City Councilor Wilson “Jun” Gamboa, Jr. has urged the city government to strengthen its show-cause order against PrimeWater, citing persistent service failures that have affected thousands of consumers across the city.
Gamboa said complaints over dirty water and intermittent supply have had a significant impact on residents, prompting the need for stricter accountability measures against the private water utility.
He added that the city should consider expanding the scope of sanctions to address what he described as PrimeWater’s continued noncompliance with service standards.
The councilor is also awaiting an official statement from either the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) or PrimeWater regarding reports that the company has been sold.
Earlier, Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez confirmed that the Villar family had sold PrimeWater last week but declined to identify the buyer.
If the reported sale is confirmed, Gamboa stressed that all commitments under the joint venture agreement must be upheld, particularly provisions meant to protect consumers.
He added that any transfer of ownership should be reviewed and determined by a competent court, saying the transaction should not be treated as a simple private sale without public scrutiny.
Gamboa reiterated his call for the return of Baciwa’s direct operations, arguing that PrimeWater is using the same personnel and equipment previously utilized by the local water district.
He noted that prior to the takeover, Baciwa was reportedly earning a net income of about P250 million annually, indicating its capacity to independently operate the city’s water services.
As part of his proposed actions, Gamboa said he will include in a forthcoming resolution before the Sangguniang Panlungsod a provision seeking the revocation of PrimeWater’s business permit.
Concerns over PrimeWater’s financial obligations also resurfaced last week after Baciwa Board of Directors Chair Atty. Sonya Verdeflor warned that Bacolod could face a water supply disruption due to PrimeWater’s failure to promptly settle an P11 million payment to Bacolod Bulk Water Inc., its water supplier.
The company reportedly settled the amount by Saturday, December 13, averting a possible interruption.
City officials have yet to announce further steps as scrutiny over PrimeWater’s operations and ownership continues./CJ, WDJ