San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan Declares PrimeWater Unwelcome

MANILA, Philippines —The city government of San Jose del Monte in Bulacan has declared PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. as an unwelcome enterprise due to numerous complaints involving water supply services. The declaration is contained in a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod following complaints of negligence, operational failure and deficient operation and maintenance of the city’s water system. “These deficiencies resulted in widespread and prolonged water interruptions and deterioration of critical water infrastructure as well as posed risks to health, safety and welfare of the people of San Jose del Monte,” the city council said. Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod condemned what they described as discourtesy and lack of cooperation of PrimeWater with the city government. They said the company repeatedly ignored the city government’s calls, investigations and requests to address issues on water supply. The city council urged the Department of Health, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Local Water Utilities Administration, National Water Resources Board, Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman to continue the investigation and impose appropriate sanctions against PrimeWater. The city government has tapped Metro Pacific Water as its temporary water provider for two months.