The Water for the People Network-La Union (WPN-La Union) expressed deep disappointment and rejected the decision of the Regional Trial Court of San Fernando City, La Union granting protection to PrimeWater and allow it to continue its operations without interruption. The decision was issued on June 11, but the local water district only obtained a copy on June 18.
The court’s decision permanently sealed its earlier directive to restore water operations to their previous state. PrimeWater holds full control over the facility and services under the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA). The court ordered the Metro San Fernando Water District (MSFWD) to stop efforts to reclaim operations.
On January 2, the board of MSFWD issued a resolution for the pre-termination of the JVA with PrimeWater. PrimeWater did not respond during the 90-day period given to the company to explain. On May 8, the board terminated the agreement and the local district immediately reclaimed water service management. PrimeWater is owned by the Villar family, one of the biggest comprador bourgeoisie in the country.
According to WPN-La Union, the RTC decision only enabled the continued suffering of those who depend on PrimeWater water services while it engages in profiteering. “It is disappointing that the RTC still favored PrimeWater despite overwhelming evidence of its incompetence and failure to fulfill its obligations and commitments.”
“It is unfortunate that, despite PrimeWater’s obvious lack of capacity and continued inability to maintain MSFWD’s facilities and deliver reliable service, they insist on asserting control, thus preventing much-needed improvements and further delaying the quality service our consumers rightfully deserve,” according to MSFWD.
PrimeWater doubled its service charges this June while announcing on its Facebook page a simplified payment system. The company also announced two water service interruptions since it regained operations. This shows nothing has changed in its service. It also closed the comments section of its Facebook page to avoid public outrage.
“Once again, we call for the suspension and investigation of PrimeWater’s JVA in La Union due to its persistent failures and negligence to its consumers since 2016. We urge the local government agencies of San Fernando, Bacnotan, San Juan, Bauang, and San Gabriel, as well as the provincial government of La Union, to immediately intervene and take a stand to scrap the JVA with PrimeWater and expel this greedy corporation from the province,” WPN-La Union appealed.
“We firmly stand that access to clean and affordable water is non-negotiable. It is essential to life and health. The continuation of poor service and denial of water supply to the people is a crime and a violation of the law,” the group stated.
