World Bank cites Manila Water wastewater treatment project

MANILA, Philippines – The World Bank (WB) has praised Manila Water Co. Inc. for its efforts to clean major rivers in Metro Manila during a recent visit to the water company’s Olandes Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Marikina City.

Olandes STP is one of the river rehabilitation projects completed by Manila Water under the WB-assisted Manila Third Sewerage Project which aims to reduce domestic pollution discharging into the river.

“I’ve looked forward to visiting a major wastewater treatment and I congratulate Manila Water for spearheading this project which will help a lot in improving the river system and the environment,” said WB Sustainable Development Network Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific John Roome.

The facility located at Barangay IVC in Marikina City is designed to treat 10 million-liters-per day (mld) of domestic wastewater from some 40,000 people from the barangay and surrounding areas. Olandes STP in conjunction with the other projects in the pipeline for the Marikina River basin is expected to clean Marikina River.

Chito Oreta, chief finance officer of Manila Water, said “Manila Water remains committed to finding the best solutions in our drive to bring back clean rivers.”

The area of Olandes STP was severely affected by floods caused by typhoon Ondoy in September 2009. However, due to the facility’s innovative design, the treatment plant was largely spared from damage. Process tanks were put underground and were designed to be submersible. The sensitive electro-mechanical and instrumentation equipments were elevated above the flood level.

Closely implemented with the local government of Marikina City, the facility’s architecture and landscaping was also designed to blend in with the community park.

“The World Bank will continue to support projects similar to Manila Water that not only benefits people but also the environment. Manila Water should really be proud with the work you did here,” said Roome.