Water is a human right.
This principle rings louder as the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) prepares to receive 90 million liters per day (MLD) from the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II), a welcome development for the residents of Iloilo City and surrounding towns.
MIWD’s arrangement with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) underscores the importance of a government-to-government approach in securing essential resources.
Such a setup minimizes costs, shielding consumers from the profit margins imposed by private entities. Water, a basic necessity, should not be priced beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.
The Jalaur megadam, heralded as a historic infrastructure outside Luzon, has the capacity to address Iloilo’s increasing water demand. Its bulk water supply component alone can deliver 86.4 MLD, critical for the city’s commercial, industrial, and residential needs.
With this allocation, Ilonggos are assured access to water sourced from their own land. This must not be undermined by unnecessary negotiations or added profit-driven intermediaries.
As MIWD works with its private sector partners, the system is already poised to handle increased capacity.
The network for distribution and water treatment is in place, thanks to Metro Pacific Iloilo Water and Metro Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Corporation.
The logical next step is operationalizing the deal, not adding new layers of negotiation that could delay the process or inflate costs.
Water is a natural resource vital to human survival and dignity. It must remain accessible and affordable for all, regardless of economic class.
MIWD’s prioritization of public welfare through this deal sets an example that public utilities nationwide must emulate.
Despite the involvement of private firms, public control and priority for government agencies ensure that resources remain geared toward public interest.
This arrangement also negates exclusivity, allowing for competition among providers without compromising MIWD’s lead role.
Still, challenges remain. MIWD and NIA must expedite the process, ensuring that this allocation flows into homes and industries within the two-year timeline.
Delays or bureaucratic red tape could hinder the full realization of this project’s benefits, leaving Ilonggos to grapple with intermittent water supply.
Equally important is public accountability. The transparency of deals involving public resources is critical to building public trust.
Every peso saved through efficient and cost-effective government initiatives reinforces the belief that essential services should be driven by public good, not private gain.
Access to water is non-negotiable. The Jalaur megadam is more than a landmark project; it is a promise to Ilonggos that their natural resources will serve them first.
This must remain the guiding principle as the project moves forward, ensuring every drop counts for the people who need it most.
