BACOLOD City – “Privatization is not bad,” according to Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
The local chief executive said this yesterday in a news conference at the Bacolod City Government Center in light of reports that the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) is eyeing for privatization.
While asserting that he does not “outright” endorse such move, Leonardia said there have been many cases that privatization became successful.
In a radio interview, Baciwa Employees’ Union president Claudio Salmo said the water district’s Board of Directors is considering the proposal from Metropac Water Investments Corp. for a public-private partnership.
Baciwa is now conducting an evaluation regarding the proposal, Salmo added.
Leonardia said he has ordered Baciwa chairman Lorendo Dilag to solve the water shortage problem in Bacolod.
He added that how to do this is now the water district management’s call.
“Depende sa ila kon ma-privatize sila. Depende sa Baciwa. That is an internal matter to be resolved among themselves,” the mayor said./PN
