SUBIC, Zambales– Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson Khonghun and Mayor Jonathan Khonghun joined officials of the new Subic Prime Water Infrastructure Corp. during the formal takeover of the water utility company that has long failed to take actions and address issues and concern regarding water supply crisis in this municipality
The June 9 takeover comes after the sangguniang bayan adopted Resolution No. 29, S-2025, urging Subic Water District (SWD) to terminate its 2018 joint venture agreement (JVA) with Prime Water operated under the Villar Group, due to chronic service failures. SWD has also issued a notice of pre-termination.
Congressman Khonghun said residents of Subic have long endured years of frustrations and experienced water supply shortage, low pressure and rusted pipeline issues with the previous management of Prime Water under Villar Group.
Mayor Khonghun also highlighted the lapses of the previous management in operation and distribution of water supply in Subic. “We are suffering from water shortages so we need immediate long-term solutions to address this water crisis.”
The new PrimeWater under the Lucio Co Group, headed by president Jose Paulino Santamarina, vowed to implement immediate improvements and long-term solutions to provide reliable access to water for all Subic households.
“We apologize, and that we are aware of the hardship faced by consumers. We understand that there were lapses and discouragement and we apologize on their behalf. We also apologize to the local government partners and we are committed to rectifying this situation as soon as possible,” Santamarina said.
He added that the new management outlined the initiatives to be implemented immediately to ensure continuity of water supply in Subic even during the dry season.
Some of these initiatives are the development and operation of three new deep-well sites located in Barangays Pamatawan, Naugsol and Manganvaca, and total replacement of old pipelines in Barangay Calapandayan, this municipality.
“We are preparing at least three brand new deep-well sites to cater to the water shortage in Subic. Development and construction will be finished by December this year,” said Engr. Lanie Quinto, operation head of Prime Water Infrastructure Corp.
The new leadership of Prime Water also assured the public that although the company will infuse additional investments, there will be no adjustments or additional charges in water bills paid by consumers.
Mayor Khonghun assured residents that the LGU will monitor the new management’s performance closely and provide weekly or monthly updates to its constituents.
