LWUA to complete big ticket irrigation projects

MANILA, Philippines — State-run Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) has set its focus on completing big-ticket water supply systems by 2025, as well as speed up the development of treatment plants, to meet the growing potable water and sanitation needs of residents outside Metro Manila.

The agency is now getting back on track with the rehabilitation and construction efforts on water supply systems in the regions in line with the loan contract signed with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The agency has faced setbacks due to the pandemic and the lack of an administrator, LWUA officer-in-charge Eileen dela Vega said in an interview.

“We don’t have a full-fledged administration, so we face disruptions in terms of fund releases,” she said.

In 2016, the multilateral lender extended a $60-million loan to LWUA to put up treatment plants in at least 12 provinces nationwide, and the agency is mandated to finish all of the projects by 2022 as required under the agreement.

But out of the 12 projects, Dela Vega said only two have been completed – one in Polomolok, South Cotabato and the other in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Because of this, the LWUA has extended the project implementation of the ADB-funded projects.

“They are in various stages… but we’re looking to complete all the projects in 2025,” Dela Vega said.

Apart from water supply systems, LWUA is also developing septage treatment plants and sewerage systems.

“We also have internally funded projects to develop water supply systems. We are also focusing on septage treatment plants to comply with the Clean Water Act,” Dela Vega said.

For the sewerage systems, she said areas outside Metro Manila are just starting the development of these structures.

“We are just starting our sewerage systems. We have one in Baliwag, Bulacan, and this is hosting other districts for water treatment. But there are a lot being constructed in Baliwag. We also have one in San Jose, Bulacan and in Bataan,” the LWUA official said.

The implementation of  ADB-funded projects is in line with LWUA’s long-term goal of providing universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water, and universal access to adequate and equitable sanitation by 2030, as set under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

With the continued population growth and the impact of climate change, there is a need to find and develop new water sources, Dela Vega said.

“Water districts, nonetheless, are also doing their part in finding new water sources,” she said.

The LWUA is also urging water districts to focus on reducing non-revenue water.

“We are also teaching them to prioritize addressing non-revenue water, the leaks... because that is important for them to prioritize in their program to prepare in case of drought,” Dela Vega said.