BY PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA – Water distribution is a private affair. The Iloilo City government “has no business running it,” said former Tourism secretary Narzalina Lim, an Ilongga from Antique.
Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has been urging the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) to give up its water distribution power so the local government can take over.
It takes “millions of pesos” to distribute water, said Lim.
The city government should only “regulate,” “set policies” and ensure that the private sector running MIWD does its job well, said Lim, president of the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (ILED).
Mabilog believes the city government can do better than MIWD in distributing water. But Lim countered, “Where will our city get the money to distribute water?”
Lim told Panay News she and ILED support MIWD’s privatization.
On Tuesday, Rep. Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City introduced House Resolution 1363 urging the Local Water Utilities Administration and MIWD to initiate the process of privatization of the city’s sole water distributor.
“It’s the right move,” said Lim.
Iloilo City’s Sen. Franklin Drilon is also not in favor of the city government taking over MIWD’s job.
“We know what it’s like when government runs public utilities,” said Drilon.
Meanwhile, Tourism Region 6 director Helen Catalbas said she will support whatever move to address Iloilo City’s water problem for as long as they are beneficial to local tourism.
Water distribution, she stressed, should be efficient and not make Iloilo City an expensive tourist destination.
In calling for MIWD’s privatization, Treñas said Iloilo City’s water woes need a “long-term solution”, not just “quick fixes”.
But he also said this needs financial resources, competence and experience.
The congressman does not see MIWD ever solving its water supply and distribution problems.
“It’s beyond their capacity. Wala sang financial resources ang MIWD. Sin-o mapahulam sa ila? Bilyones ang kinahanglan para islan ang mga guba nga tubo. Second, I think ang non-revenue water gadalagan 60 percent,” said Treñas.
The process of privatization will take “six to eight months,” Treñas told Panay News.
Rep. Arcadio Gorriceta of Iloilo’s 2nd District and Rep. Rahman Nava of Guimaras’ lone district co-authored Treñas’ House Resolution 1363.
“Itulod ko gid ini sa Congress. The resolution will then be referred to the proper committee for hearing. Then, after sina it will be recommended for approval,” said Treñas./PN
