Manila Water upgrades Balara facility for disaster resilience

Manila Water is reinforcing its commitment to safety, security, and service reliability through key infrastructure projects in the Balara Compound, designed to withstand the impacts of natural disasters and ensure uninterrupted operations. These initiatives, for completion in 2025, address urgent repair needs and bolster the company’s ability to deliver essential services even in times of crisis.

One of the priority projects is the installation of a sturdier concrete fence at the Novaliches-Balara Aqueduct 4 (NBAQ4) facility in Balara Compound. Recent typhoons have underscored the vulnerability of critical water network infrastructure. To mitigate this, the company allocated a budget of P 2.7 million to fortify the perimeter’s structural integrity and enhance the facility’s security. The project was completed last April.

Inaugurated in 2023, Manila Water’s P5.6-billion NBAQ4 project delivers up to 1,000 million liters of water daily from La Mesa Dam to Balara via a 7.3-kilometer tunnel beneath Commonwealth Avenue. As the country’s first urban aqueduct built using a tunnel boring machine, NBAQ4 enables the rehabilitation of aging aqueducts and ensures uninterrupted water supply for over 7.8 million East Zone customers.

Also underway is the construction of a new perimeter fence at the NOVABALA Project Site along Tandang Sora, Quezon City. The site houses former NBAQ4 contractor facilities including project materials and equipment. This initiative will establish a fortified boundary to prevent unauthorized access and improve site safety. The planned structure includes a 2 to 2.5-meter-high concrete hollow block (CHB) fence topped with a 0.5-meter concertina wire. With a total budget of P21 million, the project also includes preparatory works, removal of the existing fence, installation of perimeter lighting, and construction of the new fencing. Completion is expected by third quarter of 2025.

“We view these projects more than just physical upgrades; they are forward-looking investments in resilience and reliability. As we face increasing threats from natural disasters, we must ensure our facilities are secure and our services remain uninterrupted,” said Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water’s Communication Affairs Group Director.

These infrastructure upgrades are part of Manila Water’s proactive approach to disaster preparedness and operational resilience. By investing in durable, secure and efficient facilities, the company ensures its services remain reliable, and its communities protected.