Short-term and long-term solutions for Metro Manila’s water supply demand are now in place.
Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco made the assurance to the public in the wake of the water shortage being experienced by consumers specifically by those in the coverage area of Manila Water, one of three concessionaires in the metropolis.
At the press briefing to usher in the 8th Asia Water Council Board of Council Meeting, General Assembly and Elections, Velasco said the lack of water supply in East Zone is due to several factors foremost of which is the increase of demand for water due to population growth.
MWSS has caused the allocation of atleast 200 million liters per day to be provided to the east zone concessionaire, Velasco said.
MWSS has requested the National Water Resources Board to allow Manila Water to activate deep wells which can supply 100 million liters daily. A Memorandum of Agreement will be signed by MWRB executive director Virgilio David and Manila Water President and CEO Ferdinand dela Cruz for this purpose.
At least 50 MLD will augment Manila Water’s supply by end-March this year with the activation of its Cardona Treatment Plant as directed by MWSS.
MWSS will look into the proposal to construct a new treatment plant so as to preserve La Mesa Dam as a water reserve area in the future including the much-needed repairs of conveyance pipes.
MWSS has also requested West Zone concessionaire Maynilad to allocate 50 MLD and share water through cross border flow as well as deployment of water trucks to affected areas.
“I wish to thank Maynilad Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and Maynilad president Ramoncito Fernandez for this Good Samaritan act to Manila Water which shows the semblance of unity, solidarity, and teamwork of the water sector in times of problems like this,” Velasco said.
“With these measures, it is now up to Manila Water on how best to operationalize this additional water supply to ease the burden of the consumers,” he added.