Makabayan bloc seeks probe into PrimeWater joint venture with SJDMC

Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc at the House of Representatives filed a resolution on Tuesday, May 6, directing an urgent investigation into the joint venture agreement between PrimeWater and San Jose Del Monte City Water District.

The probe will examine water service issues reported by residents, including chronic shortages, high bills, poor water quality, and intermittent flow, exacerbated since the inception of the JVA with PrimeWater in 2018.

Among the concerns cited are dirty tap water discharge, poor water flow averaging two hours per day, and water shortages lasting up to two days.

ACT Teachers Party-list representative France Castro emphasized that water is a basic necessity for people, highlighting the difficulties faced by residents due to inadequate services. Gabriela Party-list representative Arlene Brosas called for PrimeWater's accountability and urged an immediate hearing on the matter.

Kabataan Party-list representative Raoul Manuel noted the injustice of forcing residents to choose between water or sleep, emphasizing the need for efficient public service delivery.

Prime Water is already under investigation by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) as ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., amid massive complaints of poor water distribution in its serviced areas across the country.