MANILA, Philippines — Over the weekend, water service provider Manila Water has restored supply to above 90 percent of its customers in the east concession zone.
Manila Water CEO Ferdinand dela Cruz announced that the company is ahead of its target to achieve 99 percent water availability by the end of the month.
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"Nag-set po kami ng target that by the end of March we will achieve 99 percent availability at least eight to 12 hours with water flowing at least sa ground floor," Dela Cruz said in a televised press conference Monday.
Manila Water reported increased water availability in their service areas — Makati (99 percent), Mandaluyong (99 percent), Marikina (99 percent), Pasig (93 percent), Rizal province (99 percent), Taguig (98 percent) and Quezon City (89 percent).
From 61 barangays with no water, only 11 barangays in the east concession zone do not have water supply for at least 12 hours.
"Lumalawak na po ang water availabilities sa ground floor... Our next aim is to slowly build up the pressure," Dela Cruz said.
The Manila Water chief added that the concessionaire's priority is to spread water supply across its service areas.
"We are already encouraged that our supply deficit contingency plan of filling reservoirs, making pumping stations work reliably is working," Dela Cruz said.
Manila Water also recently activated its water treatment plant in Cardona, which now delivers 24 million liters per day (MLD) in Binangonan, Angono, Baras and Jala-jala. This is expected to go up to 50 MLD by April and will serve more towns in Rizal.
During a House committee hearing on the water shortage, the Manila Water executive took full responsibility for the service interruption in the east concession zone the past weeks.
"I am holding myself fully accountable for the sudden drop in our service levels to your constituents whom we have consistently served over the past 21 years with 24/7 water availability and sufficient pressure," Dela Cruz told the House committee on Metro Manila development.
Asked if he was thinking of resigning following the water crisis in Metro Manila and Rizal, Dela Cruz said he was prepared to step down for failing their customers but clarified that he was focused on restoring service at the moment. — Patricia Lourdes Viray