City holds public hearing on Baciwa joint venture today

THE Bacolod City Council will hold a public hearing today on the proposed joint venture or public-private partnership between the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) and the Prime Water at the Government Center.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary-general Michael Dela Concepcion said yesterday they were invited to attend the public hearing along with other consumer groups that are opposing the privatization of the water district.

“We are hopeful that Baciwa will explain their contract with the Prime Water because the consumers deserve to know what is going on. They should disclose the proposed privatization,” he said.

Dela Concepcion along with other consumer groups held a meeting yesterday to tackle their stand for today’s public hearing.

“We are just asking Baciwa to provide clean, sufficient and affordable water supply for the people of Bacolod,” Dela Concepcion said.

The public hearing will be led by Councilor Dindo Ramos, chairperson of the City Council committee on energy. Also invited were officials of Baciwa and the Social Action Center (SAC) of the Diocese of Bacolod.

SAC earlier appealed to the city officials to conduct a public hearing on the proposed joint venture of Baciwa and Prime Water.

SAC head Fr. Chris Gonzales said it will be a disadvantage to the consumers once the water district will be privatized.

He said the consumers have the right to full disclosure on any move or plan that Baciwa undertakes.*