ILOILO City Mayor Jed Mabilog reiterated his proposal to place the water distribution function of the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) under a public-private partnership (PPP) after its one-year term expires in 2011.
Mabilog also likened the operation of the MIWD with that of the Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), which awarded private firms to operate water distribution in franchised areas in Metro Manila.
The mayor said the MWID is expected to rehabilitate and expand its water service delivery to the concessionaires within the one year term after the water body was given an order "to shape up or ship out."
Mabilog, however, said the water crisis in the city continues with still no water coming out from faucets and MIWD is giving big benefits and fat bonuses to its employees.
He said he was inspired by the State of the Nation Address of President Benigno Aquino III last Monday, July 26, wherein the President called the MWSS's attention to provide enough safe water to Metro Manila and not for its employees' pockets.
Mabilog said the MWSS situation currently applies to the water situation in Iloilo City.
He said the PPP concept is by far the most appropriate and doable solution to the water crisis since MIWD failed for several years to provide enough water supply to his constituents.
MIWD is supplying water to only about 20 percent of the city population. (LCP)