CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE — To resolve the water crisis affecting more than 250,000 residents, the city government on Tuesday, May 5, took over the operation of the city’s water supply system that was previously under the joint venture agreement (JVA) between Primewater Infrastructure Corp. and San Jose del Monte Water District (SJDMWD).
Mayor Florida Robes and SJDM Lone District Rep. Arthur Robes served the “Notice of Take Over” to the PrimeWater and SJDMWD office in Barangay Minuyan.
The notice states: “Pursuant to City Ordinance No. 2026-03-012, the City of San Jose del Monte Water Services Emergency Ordinance of 2026, the City Government of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan is officially assuming control, possession, and management of all assets and facilities related to the water and wastewater systems”.
It also directed PrimeWater to stop charging and allow the LGU immediate access to all facilities, equipment and records during the transition period and anyone who obstructs, interferes with and prevents the said takeover will be liable for criminal and administrative charges based on existing laws and ordinances.
In a press conference, Mayor Robes said that the takeover was made two months after a city resolution was declared and the city was placed under a state of emergency due to poor water services affecting 250,000 individuals from 47,611 households in 62 barangays in the city.
According to the mayor, the said takeover ends the 8-year JVA between PrimeWater and the SJDMWD that began in 2018.
For his part, Congressman Robes said at first PrimeWater started providing good water service, but in the past three years, its service has “gotten worse and worse” and the local government cannot fail to act on the said crisis because the residents are suffering.
He said that there are areas that have been rationed with water while residents especially those who are working in Metro Manila, will go home at around 10 p.m. and stay awake until 3 a.m. just waiting for water and will travel for work at 5 in the morning.
Under the JVA, PrimeWater promised to deliver P6.8-billion water infrastructure projects but has only completed P748-million projects and will manage the water infrastructure while the water district will formulate policies.
Meanwhile, SJDMWD head Aurelio Jose Jr. acknowledged the takeover and said they are ready to support the LGU for a proper water supply in the city.
