Maynilad, Manila Water suspend billing, meter reading

MANILA, Philippines — Concessionaires Maynilad Water Services and Manila Water are suspending their meter reading and billing to comply with the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

In separate advisories Saturday, Manila Water said the suspension will be effective until further notice while that of Maynilad is effective until April 14 or by the end of the quarantine period.

The current water bill of affected east zone and west zone customers will be computed based on the average consumption for the past three months.

“The implementation of this scheme is out of concern for the health and safety of our customers, as well as that of our employees and service providers,” Manila Water said.

Both Maynilad and Manila Water advised that any difference versus actual consumption will be reflected and charges will be adjusted on the customers’ next bill when Manila Water resumes read-and-bill operations.

Normal billing process will be observed when the government authorities officially confirm the end of the enhanced community quarantine.

The National Water Resources Board also increased the allocation of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System from Angat Dam from 42 cubic meters per second to 46 CMS. This, in turn, increases the water allocation for Metro Manila.

“This is to ensure steady water supply for Metro Manila considering the declaration of the state of public health emergency and the importance of water in undertaking the preventive measures against COVID-19,” NWRB said.

In Pampanga, the provincial government ordered public utility companies—electricity, water, internet and cable—to defer the deadline for payment of bills until the quarantine order is lifted.

Violators, Gov. Dennis Pineda warned, will be “penalized or given proper sanctions.”     – With Ding Cervantes