Probe unexpected water interruption in Metro Manila — Bayan Muna

MANILA, Philippines — Bayan Muna partylist on Saturday slammed the unexpected water service interruption in Metro Manila as it called for an investigation saying that water distribution companies should be held liable for  it.

“This water interruption should be investigated by regulators and the water concessionaires should be held accountable for their inefficient and sloppy service,” Bayanmuna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said in a statement.

This was after Manila Water apologized on Friday over the inconvenience experienced by customers in Mandaluyong, Pasig and San Juan due to an unexpected water service interruption from March 7 to March 8.

Maynilad also announced a water service interruption from March 10 to 11 in some areas in its West Zone coverage.

The West Zone includes Manila (certain portions), Quezon City (certain portions), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in Cavite.

Zarate also asked the public to be vigilant about water interruptions as government could use the incident to declare a “water crisis” and implement “destructive dam projects.”

“We should also be vigilant that these water interruptions would not be used by government and vested interests to foist another supposed ‘water crisis’ to justify their destructive dam projects,” Zarate said.

Bayan Muna chair Neri Colmenares said water concessionaires in Metro Manila should act swiftly on the water crisis to serve their customers who are paying a steep price for water service.

“This should be remedied at the soonest time possible because water is a basic need. Kapag magtataas sila ng singil ang bibilis pero kapag sa serbisyo naman ay ang babagal,” he added. /muf