Mayor eyes revival of water district privatization

ILOILO City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog issued an ultimatum to the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) to fulfill its water promises or face charges in court, augmented by the revival of privatization of the water district starting January 2013.

Mabilog said the new MIWD general manager Pablo Bercilla paid a courtesy call to him last October 16 and all he asked of the new chief is to fulfill the promise of sufficient water to Iloilo City consumers before 2012 ends.

Bercilla took over the position of former general manager Le Jayme Jalbuena upon the recommendation of Local Waterworks Utility Administration (LWUA) administrator Rene Villa.

Mabilog said the MIWD promised a dry run test of bulk water supply by October 22 after several schedules failed to be implemented. MIWD will also dig up three additional wells for an additional 11,000 cubic meters per day supply.

Similarly, MIWD was beset with internal problems after the old management board filed charges asking for a temporary restraining order against the old board.

Mabilog has also a pending case before the court against MIWD for questioning and blocking the authority of the city mayor in appointing members of the MIWD.

The city mayor said if the water shortage situation still goes on by December 2012, he is compelled not to talk to the MIWD anymore. He also admitted eyeing a joint venture under a public private partnership on the administration and operation of MIWD.

He said a Castalia Report conducted some five years ago recommended the privatization of MIWD that is more beneficial to concessionaires and water consumers in the city. (Lydia C. Pendon)