LWUA wraps up probe on PrimeWater, to submit recommendations to Marcos

“Regarding sa investigation namin, tapos na po kami. Hiningi na po ng palasyo at ibibigay na po namin. Medyo makapal-kapal siya, voluminous yung dating, siguro hindi magkakasiya sa dalawang kahon,” Salonga said.

The findings were verified by the affected residents and were based on water districts’ actual joint venture agreement contracts and “unsolicited proposals” by PrimeWater, said the administrator.

LWUA investigates PrimeWater over complaints of poor service

Salonga shared the investigation proved alleged lapses on PrimeWater’s fulfillment of its joint ventures with water districts.

“There have been violations of the contracts with regards to investments. Medyo nagkulang sa investment, yung delivery on supply of water,” he noted.

There are 20 to 30 water districts that expressed desire to rescind their contracts, out of the 73 that had partnered with PrimeWater. 

In a press briefing in May, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that the cancellation of water districts’ contracts with PrimeWater would depend on LWUA’s investigation.

Marcos orders probe on Villar-owned PrimeWater over complaints of poor service

Salonga was confident that Marcos Jr. would approve its recommendations to solve the water issues experienced by residents under PrimeWater’s service.

“Ang ating goal is hindi magturuan. Ang kailangan natin doon magkaroon ng tubig,” he said.

The LWUA administrator underscored that the agency cannot immediately provide water assistance to the affected areas due to possible legal issues, which can be solved if the issue is categorized as an emergency situation.

Salonga said these issues were also tackled by its recommendation report.

PrimeWater in May said it was committed to "cooperating fully with LWAU" and welcomed "any opportunity for an open and meaningful dialogue to resolve concerns." 

"We assure our public that we are intensifying our initiatives to address the requirements and satisfy the demand particularly those in challenged service areas," the firm said in a statement.

"Rest assured that we remain fully committed to fulfilling our obligations with our partners to deliver the long-term improvements necessary for stable, reliable and sustainable water in our service areas," it added.

LWUA'S LACK OF RESOURCES PROMPTED WATER DISTRICTS TO PARTNER WITH PRIMEWATER

The water districts entered a JV agreement with Prime Water in hopes of “growth and funding,” as the LWUA had insufficient resources to support regional water systems, said Salonga.  

“In the first place these water districts said that they went into partnership to grow dahil wala raw pera ang gobyerno. They thought it was the most advantageous and easiest way to grow and get funding,” he said.

“Kasi nung panahon na iyon, mukhang hindi kaya ng LWUA na suportahan yung mga water districts na lumaki,” he added.

Salonga assured solution is coming soon for the residents. 

“Padating na po ang lunas. Pasensiya at medyo natagalan ng dalawang buwan pero talagang binusisi po namin. Makakakuha rin tayo ng lunas dito. Hindi kami natutulog dito hanggat hindi naayos yung problema,” he said.