By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Around 5,000 households in Bacolod are set to benefit from improved water access following the activation of the Matab-ang Water Treatment Plant in Barangay Granada.
PrimeWater, in partnership with the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa), announced Wednesday the delivery of an additional three million liters per day (MLD) of water supply to residents in Barangays 27, 28, 30, Estefania, Villamonte, and Mandalagan.
With this development, the supply is expected to reach six MLD within the year, helping meet the city’s current demand.
“This project is just one of the initiatives and developments we are implementing together with Baciwa to ensure a more stable water supply for our consumers,” PrimeWater management said in a statement posted on social media.
The project includes constructing a one-kilometer transmission line from the plant to the injection point of a 2.6-million-gallon reservoir in Loygoy, which will then distribute water to individual households.
The water firm reiterated its commitment to sustainable service by implementing projects to ensure a more dependable supply for Bacolodnons.
Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez earlier met with PrimeWater and other agencies to address the ongoing water concerns amid the dry season.
The city’s regular supply is 84 MLD but dropped to 79 MLD as of March 11.
Benitez said the water firm initially committed three MLD to supply the northern part of the city, with the goal of scaling up to 10 MLD.
“Water access remains a top priority,” he said, urging residents to report concerns and help identify areas in need of attention as the city seeks long-term solutions.
Benitez added that Baciwa is reviewing its agreement with PrimeWater and will submit a report and recommendation in the coming months.
He earlier identified 10 barangays with critical water levels, where water tanks are being deployed daily to supplement supply.
“I assume it’s working since I have not received complaints,” he added.
Benitez said PrimeWater has submitted a water security plan, as previously requested, to address the crisis, though full implementation may take about a year.
The plan includes the use of deep well reserves as backup sources should river levels drop or other systems fail, potentially supplying up to 50 MLD.
The mayor emphasized the need for alternate sources, stating that relying solely on existing water systems could risk service disruptions during shortages.
