CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan – The local government of this city has assumed control and operations of the water supply previously managed by PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., the joint venture partner of the San Jose del Monte Water District. The takeover is part of the efforts to address the city’s worsening water distribution crisis.
Based on City Ordinance No. 2026-03-012, Mayor Florida Robes was granted the authority and powers to assume operational control of the facilities and assets of San Jose Water District and PrimeWater related to water supply and wastewater systems, as well as undertake due diligence efforts to appoint an interim water utility operator.
“We are all victims of this crisis. The lack of water is not just a simple inconvenience. It is a threat to public health, safety, the education of our children, and the daily lives of our community. That is why I want to emphasize: the full cooperation of everyone, especially those with direct responsibility, is not just expected, it is necessary,” Mayor Robes said.
The city government is committed to restore adequate and reliable water supply to every household within one year. With the takeover, the water district is expected to be made accessible and transparent to the public. Open and honest communication will also guide the matters on billing, water supply, and all concerns and complaints.
The decision follows the notice of termination of the joint venture agreement issued by the water district to PrimeWater last year, as well as the non-renewal of the company’s business permit earlier this year amid inadequate and inconsistent water supply.
“Our position is clear: we will no longer allow the blame for a problem we did not create to be unfairly placed on the local government. The joint venture agreement between the San Jose del Monte Water District and PrimeWater did not originate from the city government. It is time to correct this misinformation. Even as our intent to resolve this issue swiftly has always been clear, our hands were tied. But now, our mandate and authority to act are clear,” Robes added.
Recognizing the highly technical nature of water utility operations, the city government is also evaluating prospective interim operators with proven operational experience, as well as the technical and financial capability to undertake immediate system improvements and infrastructure upgrades.
“We continue to undertake our due diligence, to ensure that the city’s next service provider truly has the capability, integrity, and commitment to serve. We will no longer allow the mistakes that led us to this situation to be repeated,” Robes added.
The city government emphasized that its actions are anchored on its mandate under the Local Government Code of 1991 under Sections 16 and 17, which empowers local government units to ensure the delivery of basic services and to exercise all necessary measures to promote the general welfare, health, and safety of their constituents. (UnliNews Online)
Source: Ramon Efren Lazaro
