Morong to get water treatment facility

A P500-million water treatment facility is set to rise at the Bataan Technology Park, providing residents of Morong, Bataan more access to affordable, potable water supply.

State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) reported Morong Power and Water Corp. (MPWC) is looking to complete by the second quarter of 2018 the water treatment facility, which will enable it to supply potable water to the town of Morong, Bataan Technology Park (BTP), and the Subic Water Sewerage System.

MPWC signed on Thursday a lease agreement with BCDA covering some 4,500 square meters within the tech park to serve as the site of the facility.

The state agency said the lease will be for 50 years, renewable for another 25 years upon the agreement of both BCDA and MPWC. For the operation of the facility, MPWC will pay the BCDA a fixed amount and variable rate of two percent of gross revenues realized from its operations.

BCDA president and chief executive Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said access to potable water has far reaching positive socioeconomic effects, noting it can break the cycle of poverty. He further stressed the importance of water for social and political stability.

“The availability of affordable potable water for everyone will not only provide safe drinking water but will serve as the catalyst to jump-start micro, small and medium businesses and generate income for the people. Simple as it may be, it’s a game-changer on all fronts, be it social, economic and political, to improve the lives of the people,” Casanova said.