THE Social Action Center (SAC) of the Diocese of Bacolod asked the city government to conduct a public hearing on the impending joint venture or public-private partnership (PPP) entered by the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa).

In his letter to Councilor Dindo Ramos, chairperson of the City Council committee on information, communication technology, and energy, SAC head Fr. Chris Gonzales said the impending joint venture or PPP entered by Baciwa and which is into the second phase of planning is obviously without the full knowledge of the concessionaires and the consuming public.

He said the consumers have the right to full disclosure on any move or plan that Baciwa undertakes, like the projects on bulk water aimed to efficiently deliver water to its consumers.

“It is clear to us that Baciwa is doing such projects to better improve its services. This latest joint venture or PPP however, have us confused and alarmed,” he added.

Gonzales pointed out that the public hearing is very important to the public who will be largely affected by this move and who may have prior knowledge on what the public service office Baciwa is getting into and what may be the effect of such move to the consumers.

Claudio Salmo, president of Baciwa Employees Union, earlier said the board has approved the unsolicited proposal of Prime Waters for a 25-year joint venture contract.

The City Council also approved a resolution requesting the Board of Directors of Baciwa to explain its Board Resolution No. 282 dated December 8, which approved the unsolicited proposal of Prime Waters for a 25-year joint venture contract.

The resolution, authored by Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr., was approved during the regular session on Wednesday, January 23.

Gamboa said Baciwa is a government-owned and controlled corporation and the same is imbued with public interest.

“It’s a total betrayal and complete sell out for privatization to the City of Bacolod and its people,” he said.

He added Baciwa is a water district created by its own charter which will be converted to a joint venture stock that involves management and water distribution.