President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the government will go after water districts and their partner private companies responsible for the poor water delivery service to more than 6 million households nationwide.

During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Marcos expressed dismay at the extent of the water problem experienced by households outside Metro Manila, based on the report by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

“Marami kaming natatanggap na reklamo na hindi man lang daw umaabot ang tubig sa kanilang mga gripo,” President Marcos said.

“Sa lawak ng reklamo, lampas anim na milyong konsyumer sa buong bansa ang kasalukuyang naapektuhan. Nakita ko na ang report,” the President added.

While the Marcos administration has embarked on major projects to ensure a clean water supply, including filtration systems for island residents, water supply remains a challenge for many.

“Kaya’t ginagawa ng LWUA ngayon ang mga mabisang hakbang laban sa palpak na serbisyo ng mga water districts at kanilang mga joint venture partners,” President Marcos said.

“Higit sa lahat, titiyakin nating mapapanagot ang mga nagpabaya at nagkulang sa mahalagang serbisyong-publiko na ito,” the President continued, drawing applause and cheers.

After discovering a lack of water supply in some schools during his school opening inspection on June 9, President Marcos ordered the LWUA to restore the water supply in affected schools immediately.

Upon the President’s orders, LWUA also instructed all the 532 water districts outside Metro Manila under its jurisdiction to report the status of water supply in their respective areas.

President Marcos said that the LWUA is currently undertaking efforts to improve the poor service of water districts and their joint venture partners from the private sector.

“Titiyakin ng LWUA na mailalagay na sa ayos ang serbisyo ng tubig ng milyon-milyon nating kababayan at gawing mas abot-kaya rin ang presyo,” said the President. | PND