PPP Center endorses 2 MWSS projects

MANILA, Philippines - Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) administrator Gerry Esquivel said pre-investment studies on two projects of the water agency have been approved for funding by the Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) Board under the public-private-partnership (PPP) approach.

“I’m glad our projects to ensure water security for Metro Manila have been endorsed by the PDMF Board and the PPP Center. This is our modest contribution to the PPP advocacy of President Aquino,” Esquivel said.

The first MWSS undertaking, the P25-billion New Water Supply Source project, involves the construction of a dam, water treatment plant and associated main pipelines to deliver and augment the supply of potable water for an estimated 15 million Metro Manila residents.

Angat Dam is presently the only source of water supply for the MWSS service area. In 2010, Angat provided only 4,000 million liters per day (MLD), compared to the present demand of 4,395 MLD, or a deficit of 395 MLD.

Studies show that by 2015, the demand for potable water is expected to reach 5,054 MLD, hence the need to develop supplementary sources to address the increasing requirement.

The second MWSS project is the operation and maintenance of the Angat hydroelectric power plant auxiliary turbines No. 4/5 and the Macua mini-hydropower plant pro­ject which involves the rehabilitation of existing auxiliary turbines owned by the MWSS, and its operation and maintenance for a definite period.

PPP Center of the Philippines executive director Cosette Canilao said the MWSS Balara Water Hub project was also approved for technical assistance.

The P20-billion potential PPP project is envisioned to be an international center for water excellence.

The PDMF is a P550-million revolving fund to conduct preparation and pre-investment studies supported by the Philippine government and the government of Australia through the Asian Development Bank.