The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Ben Cal
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) has assured of adequate water supply in Metro Manila and environs during the summer months.
Reynaldo V. Velasco, MWSS administrator, allayed fears of a water shortage following conflicting statements of the two MWSS concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad over water supply allocation.
Velasco said MWSS has stepped in and the matter has been resolved.
However, MWSS is considering of taking over a valve that controls the release of water, he said.
Under the concession agreement, Maynilad is allocated 60 per cent share of water while Manila Water is 40 per cent. but “60-40 is not about up to the last decimal,” Velasco added.
“Even Manila Water and Maynilad admitted that they have already discussed the issue. One has to give way to one other. If Manila Water is at its peak hours, Maynilad should give way, same thing with Manila Water,” Velasco pointed out.
Velasco has expressed optimism Manila Water and Maynilad can resolve their differences without MWSS instituting drastic measures.
“We have enough water supply not only during the summer season, but in the next 20 to 25 years,” Velasco said.
According to Velasco, the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has put in place a continuing Water Security Program that is parallel to the demand with a provision of about 7-10 percent buffer. Concessionaires are required to submit continuous supply-demand projections to determine the amount to be invested in the water infrastructure.
For a program that is continuing, timelines are very useful, according to Velasco. He admits the present government may not be able to finish all the projects in 2022. “But at least we can start some, we can finish one, at least Kaliwa,” he expressed.
“After 30 years of waiting started in the Ramos administration, I hope we can finish this flagship project before President Duterte steps down in 2022 because this is the only program that we think we can start and finish during the Duterte Administration.” The ODA-funded Kaliwa Dam project is just one of the water infrastructure projects lined up by the Duterte administration.
The Kaliwa Dam project’s main component is the construction of the Kaliwa Dam in Brgy. Pagsanhan, Gen. Nakar, Quezon and Brgy. Magsaysay, Infanta, Quezon, which has 600 (MLD) capacity, and a 2,400 MLD capacity of its water supply tunnel.
Other projects under the Water Security Program of the Duterte administration are the Rizal Province Water Supply Improvement Project being undertaken by Manila Water, the Angat Water Transmission Improvement Water, Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project, and the Sumag Diversion and Relocation Project.
Meanwhile, MWSS is constantly implementing improvements to the tunnels and transmission lines to avoid water service interruption for both concessionaires.
On the other hand, NWRB Executive Director Dr. Sevillo D. David Jr. , director of the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), also assured the public of continued water supply during summer.