DILG urged to fast-track permits for water projects

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) is asking the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to speed up the issuance of permits for new water sources projects amid the continued supply crunch in the metro.

During the recent Cabinet meeting, MWSS administrator Emmanuel Salamat requested the issuance of department orders from the DILG to local chief executives to expedite necessary permits to meet timelines of the projects of the MWSS.

This as water supply level in Angat Dam, Metro Manila’s main source, continues to recede leading to supply interruptions in most parts of the capital and nearby provinces.

As of Thursday morning, Angat Dam was at 188.37 meters. Angat’s normal level is at 180 meters.

Salamat cited the need to secure assistance from other agencies to create a comprehensive water security plan.

He also proposed the creation of an inter-agency task force on water supply and sewerage and asked that the Laguna Lake be declared as a vital source of water which needs protection and security.

MWSS has reoriented its priorities and adopted a short-term, medium-term and long-term raw water security roadmap that will provide potable and sustainable water supply in the next five to 50 years with an increase of at least 1,518 million liters per day by 2022.

Being fast tracked under the new water security roadmap are the 150 MLD Putatan, 100 MLD Cardona, 188 MLD Sumag, 50 MLD Rizal Wellfield, 80 MLD Calawis Wawa, 100 MLD Putatan 3, and 250 MLD Lower Ipo.

The 600 MLD Kaliwa Dam project is also expected to be completed by  2023.

Being eyed as medium-term water source projects from 2023 to 2027 are the 420 MLD Wawa Dam, 250 MLD East Bay, 350 MLD Bayabas Dam, 550 MLD Angat Norzagaray Phase 2, 250 MLD East Bay, 750 MLD Sierra Madre, and 1,800 MLD Kanan River Phase 1.