Maynilad offers water to NAIA

MANILA, Philippines—Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) is offering a water connection to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals to promote water safety and a good image to the airports located in Pasay and Parañaque.

The NAIA-1 airport was especially mentioned as it has been sourcing its water from deep wells.

The water services company has sent a leak detection team to assess the condition of the pipes in NAIA-1. Initial reports showed extensive damage in the pipes.

Maynilad is currently determining how best to assist NAIA should it choose to connect to the water provider’s network.

In a statement, Maynilad president and CEO Ricky Vargas expressed hope that a connection agreement could push through immediately to promote water safety and a clean image of the country’s airports.

Maynilad executives have apparently met with NAIA officials.

“In the coming days, Maynilad will also be submitting a proposal to NAIA on how the parties can proceed with the connection,” the water provider said.

The meeting was set up after Maynilad chairman Manny Pangilinan noticed “diggings” at the NAIA-1. The Filipino tycoon arrived Saturday from a business trip in Hong Kong and was told of the “waterless” restrooms at the 28-year old terminal.

After learning that the airport has been taking its water supply from deep wells, Pangilinan offered the assistance of the West Zone concessionaire, owned and managed by the Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

“To a certain extent, the state of our airports is a reflection on how progressive we are as a country. No amount of marketing and advertising can improve our image if we cannot even provide tourists basic amenities such as running water and clean restrooms,” Vargas said.

Vargas also stressed the risks of using deep-well water. “Water from most deep wells is not well treated or regularly monitored, unlike ours. The water we supply passes through a stringent treatment process and the Department of Health regularly checks the potability of our supply,” Vargas said.

Maynilad is the concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area, which is composed of the cities of Manila (all but portions of San Andres and Sta. Ana), Quezon City (west of San Juan River, West Avenue, EDSA, Congressional, Mindanao Avenue, the northern part starting from the districts of the Holy Spirit and Batasan Hills), Makati (west of South Super Hi-way), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon, all in Metro Manila; and Cavite City and the towns of Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in Cavite province.