BF homeowners get their way: Maynilad resumes pipe-laying

MANILA, Philippines - Maynilad Water Services Inc. has resumed pipe-laying activities in at least five areas of BF Homes subdivision in Parañaque City, where water supply has been a problem for decades.

Nelson Lacambra, spokesman of Mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr., said excavation activities are ongoing in Manresa, Sinagtala, BF East Phase 6, BF Phase 6A, and portions of Tirona.

This developed after the representatives of Maynilad and the subdivision developer, BF Homes Inc. (BFHI), met at a congressional inquiry that discussed the water supply problem affecting subdivision residents.

“However, digging will just be limited in these areas for now. There is still a need to wait for the resolution of the injunction order issued by a local court in favor of BFHI against Maynilad for further pursuing water repair activities even in other parts of BF Homes,” Lacambra said.

The United BF Homeowners Association Inc. (UBFHAI) said the resumption of pipe-laying activities began immediately after the Aug. 26 congressional hearing.

UBFHAI president Leon Arceo, through a letter, expressed thanks to Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez for the help he extended to address the water problem in BF Homes.

The House of Representatives’ committee on housing approved Golez’s resolution calling on the National Water Resources Board to issue a cease and desist order against BFHI to allow Maynilad to conduct pipe-laying operations again in the subdivision.

Diana Quiros, also of the UBFHAI, is optimistic that things will get better since the city government and the BFHI are currently engaged in talks.

“The rally we staged helped a lot. Little by little, the situation of affected residents is being addressed. We hope that the other affected areas will soon be given attention for them to be able to have a regular supply of water,” she said.

Bernabe said he will exercise police power to back up Maynilad’s pipe-laying activities.

BF Homes has been waterless for more than two decades owing to the inability of the BFHI and its water utility firm, the Philippine Waterworks and Construction Co., to provide a regular supply of water to residents.

BF Homes has more than 10,000 homes spread over 72 gated enclaves, each one with its own homeowners’ association.