Manila Water allots P59 billion for river clean-up

MANILA, Philippines - Ayala-led Manila Water has programmed P59 billion worth of capital expenditures to clean up the Marikina, Pasig and San Juan rivers.

The Marikina local government unit headed by Mayor Marides C. Fernando is joining forces with Manila Water to save the Marikina River system.

Marikina, recognized as one of the cleanest cities in the Philippines, is waging a battle to save its river, the city’s important natural resource which is on the verge of dying.

Marikina River cuts across the center of the city, originating upstream in Rodriguez (Montalban) and then flows down to San Mateo before reaching Marikina.

Over the years, due to the rapid increase in population and development, the water quality of the river has been steadily deteriorating and, unless remedial measures are undertaken, will soon be biologically dead.  

Manila Water is currently building the P. Olandes Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) that will have the capability to treat wastewater from households and drainage water before it is discharged into the river.   

This will ensure that all effluents or discharges into the river are compliant with the stringent parameters of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

According to Ronald Muaña, wastewater program manager of Manila Water, the project will address the domestic wastewater treatment requirements of Blue Ridge, St. Ignatius, Libis, Cinco Hermanos and Bgy. Olandes.

Part of Manila Water’s P59-billion outlay will be for the construction of 29 sub-catchment facilities for combined sewer and drainage systems.

“It will help by removing the domestic component of the pollution into Marikina River and improve the health condition of the residents,” Muaña said.

The STP is being constructed in partnership with the city government of Marikina and will be funded by the World Bank-assisted Manila Third Sewerage Program (MTSP).

“Marikina City has always been an exemplary partner of Manila Water in giving service to the people. Because of their cooperation, our company has been successful in achieving 24-hour potable water service for the entire city. The city is also a staunch advocate of environmental protection,” Muaña said.

The Olandes project will not only help save the river, but also improve the quality of life of the communities around it.

The Marikina local government recently passed a resolution for the proper construction and maintenance of septic tanks in support of Manila Water’s desludging program called Sanitasyon Para Sa Barangay.

“ Marikina is fully supporting the construction of the STPs,” Muaña said. “Aside from Olandes STP, two others are in the pipeline: the 20 million liters per day (MLD) Calumpang STP and the 100 MLD Balubad STP.”

These projects are expected to be completed by July 2009.

Manila Water is continuously working with Marikina City to further increase the support of various stakeholders in protecting the environment.  

The East Zone concessionaire has been supporting the local government in its information, education and communication initiatives to understand the importance of treating wastewater and to manage solid waste in order to prevent clogging of sewer pipes.