Water woes

CHEERS TO ABS-CBN 2’s Failon Ngayon for its detailed report on rising water rates, the operation of water concessionaires in Metro Manila, and the performance of the agencies that regulate public utilities. (Sept. 1)

The episode detailed the charges contained in consumers’ water bills. Failon Ngayon found that even representatives of the Maynilad Water Services Inc., the Manila Water Company Inc., and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) could not explain why they charge for cancelled and/or non-existent water projects. Some people also complained that despite less water consumption, their bills remain high, and are even rising.

Apart from interviews with consumers, the episode also asked the Water Watch Coalition and the Water for All Refund Movement to comment on the problems of the water firms.

Failon Ngayon explained the effect of the 1997 water privatization on access to water supply and service quality.

According to the report, the MWSS Labor Association has also criticized the difference in benefits between MWSS board members and regular employees.