I CHECKED its website. Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) General Manager Mario Macatangay sent his “regrets to inform the consuming public that no water supply and turbid water will be experienced in some portions of the service area, due to scheduled Central Negros Electric Cooperative power interruption” for August 6, 2017, 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The areas affected were Barangays Bata, Banago and Mandalagan, Montebello Subdivision, Burgos to Granada areas, Villamonte, Lacson and Eroreco.
That’s strange. So why is Alijis affected? As of this writing, we have had no water since 7 a.m. to my deadline to submit this article.
Save for brownouts thrice early yesterday morning, we have continuous power supply. Isn’t Baciwa obligated to ensure continuous water supply in supposedly unaffected areas?
So I see no reason why we are deprived of water.
I’m beginning to suspect that many contracts are just scraps of paper, not worth the written promises that water and power utilities they’ve given their customers.
The City of Bacolod was named the country’s most livable urban center during The Manila Times Philippine Model Cities Forum and Awards. So supposedly, when someone wants to pay something to a service provider, it is obligated to give the best service.
So why is City Administrator John Orola virtually begging the tenants of Manokan Country to respect the city and be responsible in paying their monthly dues and penalties?
Manokan Country Vendors Association president David Montoya said they are willing to attend the hearing and will abide by whatever decision that may be decided regarding their monthly dues and accrued penalties.
Hey, they have been saying that refrain since the last city administration. Why are they singing the same tune in August 2017 under a new administration?
Orola believes the stall holders will ask for another extension to settle their arrears that already reached P6.8 million. Of the 23 stall holders, only three have settled their accounts. These stall owners are taking the city for a ride.
Said Orola “They should be good citizens, respect the city, and be responsible in their obligations. All of us have an obligation and they should do their part to settle the accounts.” Amen to that.
The Commission on Audit and the City Treasurer’s Office had earlier issued a letter stating that the accounts of the delinquent Manokan Country tenants have reached P6.8 million. Orola said some of the tenants have arrears as much as P200,000 to P500,000.
“With these arrears, it’s not normal. If they fail to settle their accounts, the City Government will take over their stalls and it will be opened to those who are interested to do a business in the area,” he said.
Yes, let the city administrator do what he has to do. Just do it.*
(bqsanc@yahoo.com)
