Mla Water partners with Mitsubishi for Myanmar proj

MANILA, Philippines - Ayala-led Manila Water Co. Inc., is pursuing a non-revenue water (NRW) reduction project in Myanmar in partnership with Japan’s with Mitsubishi Corp.

In a regulatory filing, the company said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) in Yangon, Myanmar for the development of a proposed NRW reduction project for the city.

 â€œThe proposed project is in line with the intention of Manila Water to pursue projects outside the East Zone (concession) and other selected markets in the Asian region,” it said.

YCDC is an administrative body mandated to manage the development of water resources and infrastructure within the city of Yangon. It also manages the city’s properties and takes care of business licensing within the city.

Manila Water officials, however, declined to provide additional information until definitive agreements on the proposed project have been executed.

“We cannot disclose other details of the project just yet,” said Manila Water spokesman Jeric Sevilla in a text message

Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar, is the most populous city in the Southeast Asian nation.

Aside from Myanmar, Manila Water is attempting to gain foothold in Indonesia and is strengthening its foothold in Vietnam where it has already gained traction.

A consortium of Manila Water and local Indonesian firms recently pre-qualified to bid for a public-private bulk water supply  project in Bandra, Lamping.

After its failed bid to acquire half of Indonesian water concessionaire PT PAM Lyonnaise Jaya (Palyja) last year, Manila Water is still keen on finding other business opportunities in Indonesia.

The company is currently strengthening its presence in Vietnam through the acquisition last year of a 31.47-percent stake in Vietnam’s Saigon Water Infrastructure Corp. (SII).

Manila Water first ventured into Vietnam when it acquired a 49-percent stake in Thu Duc WaterBoo in December 2011.

In 2012, it acquired 47.35 percent of Kenh Dong Water Supply Joint Stock Co.