The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has unanimously approved a resolution demanding that Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA)-PrimeWater immediately address widespread complaints about contaminated water.
The resolution, authored by Councilor Ceasar Distrito, calls on the water utility to release a public report detailing the cause of the problem, the specific barangays affected, and the steps being taken to fix the issue and prevent it from happening again.
According to Distrito, the resolution is a direct response to a surge of complaints from residents across the city, including Taculing, Singcang, Sum-ag, Mansilingan, Banago, Cabug, Pahanocoy, and Tangub, among others.
Residents have been reporting that water coming from their taps is dark and foul-smelling, leading to what Councilor Caesar Distrito called a “contaminated water crisis.”
Distrito stressed that the presence of contaminated water poses serious public health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and other vulnerable populations.
He added that Bacolod residents deserve safe, clean water and that the lack of clear communication and accountability from PrimeWater is unacceptable.
In a show of solidarity, the entire City Council, led by Vice Mayor Kalaw Puentevella, will personally deliver the resolution to PrimeWater.
This move, suggested by Councilor Homer Bais, is meant to underscore the council’s seriousness and indignation over the issue. Puentevella emphasized that the council stands with the people of Bacolod and wants PrimeWater to “see the faces behind this demand.”
The resolution specifically demands a full public report that identifies the cause of the water quality issues, lists the affected barangays and households, and outlines both immediate safety measures and long-term solutions.
