The Diocese of Bacolod Social Action Center (SAC), Bacolod City Water District Employees Union(BEU) and citizen’s groups have launched “Amlig Tubig Coalition” to oppose plans to privatize the water firm.
Father Chris Gonzales, SAC head said the coalition will monitor the actions of the board of directors of BACIWA as it accepted the unsolicited propos of Prime Water for a joint venture agreement.
Gonzales said the coalition will also launch an education and information campaign so the public will know the impact of privatization.
The Board of Directors have continued to ignore our calls but we will heighten and intensify our opposition to privatize Baciwa, he said.
GAMBOA.
Bacolod City Councilor Wilson Gamboa said they have already informed the Office of the President on the issue hounding the water firm.
Gamboa confirmed they have already received a reply that the Department of Justice and the Solicitor General to review all contracts of private water concessionaires.
Some congressmen have already expressed their willingness to conduct a congressional inquiry into the issues within Baciwa, Gamboa said.
Last week, the proposed joint venture program with the Villar-owned Prime Water has passed the negotiation stage, said Atty. Lorendo Dilag, chair of the BACIWA Board.
Dilag also confirmed they are now preparing the terms of reference and a competitive bidding is scheduled to begin within a month.
He also clarified that the Baciwa board is against any move to privatizate the water district.
The joint venture with Prime Water is not privatization, he pointed out.
In operation for over 30 years, Prime Water provides services including water system development, bulk water supply, water supply improvement and rehabilitation, along with a sewage waste management program.(NDB)*