Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco allayed fears of water shortage with the onset of the dry season. Velasco made the assurance to customers of Manila Water and Maynilad following conflicting statements of the two MWSS concessionaires over raw water supply allocation.
MWSS stepped in to prevent an alleged brewing war between two concessionaires. In an interview, Velasco said the problem between the two concessionaires has been resolved even as MWSS is considering the idea of taking control over a valve that controls the release of water.
Per the concession agreement, Maynilad is allocated 60 percent share of water while Manila Water, 40 percent. “60-40 is not about up to the last decimal,” Velasco said. “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.”
NWRB executive director Dr. Sevillo D. David Jr. also assured the public following a meeting yesterday at his office with the concessionaires and other water officials for adequate allocaiton of water supply as requested by the MWSS chief as early as January this year.
“We remain positive that this concern will be resolved using the proper channel. Continuous adjustments are being finetuned that will be mutually beneficial to all parties and to the best interest of our customers,” said Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water head of Corporate Communications.
Maynilad Vice President for Government Relations Anette de Ocampo welcomes the statement of Velasco and expressed optimism the issue will be put to rest as projected over the few days in the media. She said Maynilad is also concerned with the water allocation issue to be resolved so as not to derail good relations that Maynilad has developed with MWSS and its Manila over the last 10 years.
Velasco believes both concessionaires can resolve their differences without MWSS instituting drastic measures.
Velasco’s assurance for adequate water supply is not only limited this dry season. “’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 out 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.