MCWD partners with Japan companies for new system

CEBU, Philippines -   In its aim to deliver better service to its consumers, the Metropolitan Cebu Water District has forged ties with Japan-based companies for the implementation of the supervisory control and data acquisition (Scada).

 MCWD signed an agreement with the consortium of NJS Consultants Co., Ltd. and Yokohama Water Co. Ltd. which will prepare the design and other technical documents to assist MCWD in the selection of the contractor for the project.

 Likewise, the Japanese consultants will supervise the implementation of the project to ensure the quality of the work executed by the contractor.

 The supervision specifically covers inspection, interpretation and approval of the design and specifications submitted by the contractor, as well as the designation of representative and engineers during the construction phase.

 MCWD acting general manager Ernie Delco expressed gratitude to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for granting 1.6 billion Japanese Yen or roughly P679 million for the project.

 Delco revealed that this is the biggest grant given to a water district in the Philippines by a foreign country.

 The Scada system will help MCWD identify the area with low water pressure and act on it promptly, as well as get real-time data on water pressure and reservoir supply and remotely switch on or off pumps and close or open valves.

 MCWD will also be empowered to manage its non-revenue water as it can immediately send a team to spot a leak once there is a sudden drop in water pressure.

The Scada system is expected to be operational by the end of 2015 or early 2016.  (FREEMAN)