📷: Courtesy of Kabataan Partylist | FB
The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives has filed a resolution calling for a congressional inquiry into the joint venture agreements (JVAs) between PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation and over 130 local water districts across the country.
House Resolution 2279 seeks to investigate PrimeWater’s alleged failure to provide consistent, safe, and affordable water services, with particular focus on its controversial partnership with the San Jose del Monte (SJDM) City Water District. This agreement has sparked widespread public outcry over unreliable water supply, exorbitant billing, and declining service quality.
The resolution highlights grievances from SJDM residents, who have reportedly endured irregular water rationing at inconvenient hours, contamination of tap water, and steep monthly charges. Meanwhile, despite these issues, PrimeWater allegedly amassed over P1 billion in profits by 2023, while the SJDM Water District experienced a significant drop in net income after entering the JVA.
Amid the ongoing water crisis, the SJDM City Water District has already pushed for the termination of its contract with PrimeWater. Similar complaints have emerged in other locations where PrimeWater operates, including Dasmariñas, Bacolod, Batangas, and Davao.
The resolution calls on the House Committee on Government Enterprises and Privatization to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, into the PrimeWater-SJDM JVA and assess the wider implications of PrimeWater’s operations on water accessibility, affordability, and service reliability nationwide.
Pres. Marcos earlier directed the Local Water Utilities Administration to conduct an investigation into PrimeWater operations and its joint ventures with local water districts. (ZIA LUNA)
