Clark Water investing P1.26B to boost zone’s water services

Ayala-led Clark Water Corp. is investing P1.26 billion in the former military base in Pampanga for water source development, wastewater service infrastructure and service reliability improvement projects, to meet the area’s growing requirements until 2017.

In a statement Monday, Clark Water, a unit of Manila Water Co., said more than half of this budget would go to the construction of 15 deep well pumping stations and the installation of over 25 kilometers of transmission lines in the Clark Freeport.

“We have developed our plans and programs to support the vision of Clark Development Corporation while addressing the current and future needs of existing locators even as we continue to attract more investors in Clark,” said Clark Water chief operating officer and general manager Jess Laigo.

He said P639 million would be allotted for the deep wells and transmission pipes that would bring water to homes and businesses inside the freeport.

Meanwhile, P338 million will be used to expand Clark Water’s wastewater treatment lagoon and install 12.5 kilometers of sewer lines.

The remaining capital investment will go to the construction of new treatment plants and the development of long-term water sources.

Since it took over the water operations at Clark, the company said it had significantly improved the area’s water services through the provision of high-quality piped water supply with strong water pressure.

“We will continue to invest in water and wastewater projects, improve service and operational efficiency, and implement environmental projects to remain as a sustainable partner of Clark Development Corporation and its locators,” Laigo added.

In 2012, the company spent P42 million to build a new treatment plant, new distribution lines, and a deep well to augment water capacity.

Clark Water is a subsidiary of Metro Manila’s East Zone concessionaire.

Clark Water was formed by Manila Water in partnership with Clark Development Corp., the administrative and governing body of the Clark Freeport Zone and the Clark Special Economic Zone.