• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved on third and final reading Jan. 14 the proposed ordinance requiring water distributors or concessionaires in the city to install standby power generators in all their wells or pumping stations.
This is to ensure uninterrupted water supply during power outages, Councilor Caesar Distrito, who authored the ordinance, stressed.
He noted that “frequent and prolonged power interruptions in Bacolod directly affect the operation of the pumping stations, resulting in water shortages and disruption of supply to households, hospitals, schools, and business establishments.
This ordinance requires water service providers, including Baciwa-Prime Water and subdivision developers supplying water to homeowners, to install and maintain fully operational standby generators capable of automatic start-up during power failures, Distrito said in an earlier statement.
It also encourages the use of alternative back-up systems, such as solar-powered generators or uninterruptible power supply units, to maintain service continuity, he added. “Water is a basic human right. This ordinance ensures that even during power outages, the people of Bacolod will not be deprived of safe and adequate water supply.”
The “Permanent power generators on pumping stations ordinance of Bacolod” states that the installation of generators shall start within 60 days upon the effectivity of the ordinance, and full compliance in the next six months.
“Water distributors, concessionaires or suppliers are required to submit a monthly report to the Mayor’s Office and the SP as to the progress of their compliance of this ordinance,” it added.
Failure to comply would result in a fine of P5,000 per day of non-compliance beyond the prescribed period; as well as referral of the matter to the Local Water Utilities Administration and concerned regulatory agencies for possible sanctions, including suspension or revocation of franchise/operating permits, the ordinance stressed.
“Power outages are beyond our control, but water service disruptions should not be,” Councilor Dindo Ramos, co-author of the ordinance, said. “By requiring standby generators in all pumping stations, we are putting in place a concrete solution that prioritizes the needs of households, medical facilities, and businesses.” | CGC
