P102-M water improvement project launched in Malabon

Maynilad is only paying back a debt to the public.

This much Maynilad Water Services Inc. (MWSI) president Fiorello Estuar admitted yesterday during the ceremonial groundbreaking rites of the firm’s P102-million water improvement project in Barangay Longos, Malabon City.

The project, launched as a partnership between the city of Malabon and Maynilad, stands to benefit over 167,000 residents in Barangays Longos, Tonsuya, Catmon and Niugan when completed.

The affair was highlighted by the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Maynilad officials headed by Estuar, a former Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during the Aquino administration, and local officials led by Malabon-Navotas Rep. Ricky Sandoval, City Mayor Canuto "Tito" Oreta and his representative and city police chief Senior Superintendent Moises "Kamagong" Guevarra, among others at the Longos covered court around noontime yesterday.

Estuar sought to steer clear of the issues currently plaguing his firm, particularly its "continuing rehabilitation" and told the crowd he only wished to show that despite this, Maynilad will still deliver.

"May kasalanan nga kami (Maynilad). Hindi na kami makikipag debate sa rehabilitasyon ng Maynilad. Ipapakita na lang naming na kaya pa nating magserbisyo sa publiko." We are doing this project, which involves some P102-million and runs through 36 kilometers. Ginagawa naming ito nang mabilisan para pambayad naman sa utang naming sa inyo," Estuar told his very appreciative audience. – Jerry Botial