BACOLOD City Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya said he will file a resolution asking the Local Water Utilities Administration to look into the supply of water districts especially in Bacolod.
Gasataya said on Sunday, June 11, that he will submit the resolution once the Congress will resume next month.
“We want to determine the policy of the national agency to address the water problem like here in Bacolod,” he said.
Gasataya pointed out that he is not satisfied with the explanation of the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) during the public hearing held at the Bacolod Government Center in May.
Baciwa general manager Mario Macatangay had earlier said that they will drill six more wells in various areas to address the insufficient water supply.
He said the six wells will temporarily augment the water supply while waiting for the operation of the Bacolod Bulk Water Supply Project in October.
With the operation of the bulk water supply later this year, Macatangay said he expects that it will be the answer to the city's insufficient water supply.
Gasataya said the Baciwa management should submit a report to the City Government to explain the real situation of the water supply.
"For so many years, several consumers from various barangays were complaining of water shortage. If it will become worse, we will do stringent measures to address the problem and I will call for a congressional hearing," he added.
Gasataya also questioned the move of Baciwa of engaging in a contract for a bulk water supply to address the water shortage.
“Baciwa has a water source in Ngalan River so why they are not the one to connect with it since they have P100-million fund for the drilling of six wells?” the lawmaker asked.
Gasataya said he will seek clarification from the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) on allowing the Bacolod Bulk Water Inc. to use the water permit of Baciwa without an approval of NWRB.
“Baciwa allowed the Bacolod Bulk Water Inc. to borrow their water rights permit and this issue should be clarified,” he added.
