By Nimfa Estrellado Quezon Province Board Member Vinnette Acala-Naca (Photo from BMVinnetteAlcala/FB) LUCENA CITY, Quezon - "Water ...
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| Quezon Province Board Member Vinnette Acala-Naca (Photo from BMVinnetteAlcala/FB) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - "Water is life," declared Quezon Province Board Member Vinnette Alcala-Naca, launching a scathing attack on PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. Quezon Metro at the 119th General Meeting of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on October 21, 2024. She condemned the private water utility for its "deaf ears" to years of complaints about inadequate service in Lucena City, Tayabas City, and Pagbilao.
Frustration over persistent water problems has reached a boiling point. "For years, I've heard the grievances and complaints of residents about PrimeWater Quezon Metro," Alcala-Naca declared. "They say PrimeWater has been deaf to their complaints. The company's sweet promises seem to be just lip service, because the problems persist.”
PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., a leading water utility provider in the Philippines, entered a Joint Venture Agreement with the Quezon Metropolitan Water District (QMWD) in 2018. This agreement, intended to improve water services and infrastructure in the aforementioned areas, has instead become a source of contention. Residents claim the situation has worsened under PrimeWater's management.
Alcala-Naca, speaking as a PrimeWater customer, sympathizes with others experiencing poor service. In a privilege speech titled "Inquiry on the Status of the PrimeWater-Quezon Metro's Water Security and Operations to Ensure Clean and Safe Water for their Customers," she highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by residents since PrimeWater took over operations six years ago.
She criticized PrimeWater's inaction despite repeated attempts to address the issues. Speaker Julius Luces gave privilege speeches in 2022 and 2023 regarding multiple complaints, tariff rate increases, and the need for water supply improvement. In 2023, PrimeWater Quezon Metro management presented their plans and answered queries during a Sangguniang Panlalawigan session.
The late Board Member Ferdinand Bong Talabong also delivered a privilege speech in 2023, calling attention to water shortages in Lucena City. Luces again raised concerns in early 2024 about PrimeWater's contingency plans during the summer season. Additionally, the Committee on Environment conducted three hearings in 2024, where PrimeWater representatives answered queries and concerns.
She further elaborated on the recurring excuses provided by PrimeWater: "Every time we face PrimeWater's representative, their answers are the same. They claim they are doing everything they can, blaming lack of manpower for unfinished projects and abandoned work on the roads. They cite insufficient pipeline pressure for weak water flow and inadequate supply to customers. While they point to improvements in completed projects and increased water supply duration in certain areas, the overall situation remains dire.”
According to Alcala-Naca, the 2018 joint venture agreement between QMWD and PrimeWater included financing, development, rehabilitation, expansion, improvement, operation, and maintenance of the water supply and septage system. She stressed that PrimeWater Branch Manager Mary Grace de Ramos stated the project would have two phases, each financed with one billion pesos.
"De Ramos also indicated that due to the pandemic, only approximately 300 million pesos were used for the first phase, leaving 700 million pesos remaining. This remaining amount, she claimed, would be added to the second phase budget to complete necessary projects and improve service." she said.
Alcala-Naca questioned the effectiveness of the company's reported two billion peso investment, stating, "Shouldn't we, after six years, at least feel some comfort in our water service if PrimeWater is truly doing something? But despite their explanations, it seems things are getting worse instead of better."
This dissatisfaction has sparked widespread support for Acala-Naca's call to action. Fellow board members, including Yna Liwanag, Gerry Talaga, and Julius Luces, who represent areas also plagued by water service issues, expressed solidarity and backed her demands for accountability.
Board Member Ola Eduarte, Chairman of the Committee on Environment, pledged his support and will lead the coordination efforts. He plans to bring together the environment committees of the affected cities and municipalities to formulate a collective position and engage with PrimeWater's new president.
Furthermore, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is set to pass a resolution mandating the Committee on Environment to investigate the current status of the QMWD-PrimeWater Joint Venture Agreement. This aims to ensure transparency in PrimeWater's operations.
This collaborative action signifies a growing determination among Quezon Province officials to resolve these long-standing water issues and secure a reliable and safe water supply for all residents served by PrimeWater. They demand not just explanations, but concrete actions and tangible improvements to the water service that has been sorely lacking.
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