The consortium of Prime Water Infrastructure Corp., a unit of the Villar Group, PAVI and MGS Construction Inc. and Israel’s TAHAL Group, a global provider of sustainable infrastructure, submitted the lower bid for the water and wastewater infrastructure project in New Clark City, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority announced Thursday.
The consortium submitted the lower bid of P9.45 per cubic meter, besting the P11 per cubic meter offer of Manila Water Co. Inc. during the opening of technical and financial proposals held at the BCDA Corporate Center in Taguig City.
The water and wastewater project aims to ensure a safe, affordable and sustainable water source in New Clark City. It incorporates smart components, including advanced metering infrastructure and high standard wastewater treatment.
BCDA senior vice president and chief finance officer Nena Radoc, the chairperson of the Joint Venture Selection Committee, said the Prime Water Consortium would undergo post-qualification process as part of due diligence before the awarding of contract.
The proposed P9.45 per cubic meter rate will apply for the water supply only. The same amount will be charged for wastewater services equaling to a total rate of P18.90 per cubic meter for the first five years of the 30-year joint venture period.
The winning bid is viewed as highly competitive compared with rates for cities in the Philippines, Southeast Asia and other parts of the world, and is expected to attract leading locators to the city.
Effective January 1, 2018, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System approved the basic rates of P35.48 per cubic meter and P25.50 per cubic meter for Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water, respectively.
The BCDA expects to sign the agreement with the winning partner by the end of November.
New Clark City within the Clark Special Economic Zone is envisioned to be the first smart, green and sustainable metropolis in the country.
Phase 1A, which covers 60 hectares, involves the construction of the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC), including the world-class sports complex to be used for the Philippines’ hosting of the Southeast Asian Games in 2019.