MWSS pushing for new dam projects

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage Systems favors new dam projects instead of ones that tap the Laguna de Bay for the production of potable water, according to MWSS administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco.

Velasco was reacting to concerns about a possible water shortage in the concession area of Manila Water Co. Inc., which Manila Water chief operating officer Geodino Carpio expressed earlier this week.

Carpio said that with the completion of the MWSS-led Kaliwa Dam project expected in 2023 at the earliest, Manila Water might not have enough sources of raw water by 2021.

He said this was likely considering that the MWSS had not acted on Manila Water’s proposal to build a facility in Pakil, Laguna, which could provide an additional 250 million liters daily (MLD) for the East Zone concessionaire.

“There is no looming water shortage and we will always uphold the best interest of the people,” Velasco said in a statement.

The MWSS corporate chief added that MWSS was on a “catch up mode” in terms of creating new water sources following more than 30 years of not developing major water supply projects.

According to Manila Water’s Carpio, demand from his company’s consumers alone increases by as much as 50 MLD every year.

“While we respect the opinion of Mr. Carpio, it is best for Manila Water to properly present its [proposed P13-billion] Laguna East Bay project … as part of the overall water security and sustainability program for the East Zone instead of making his personal analysis on the overall costing of the P12.2 billion Kaliwa Dam Project that is expected to produce additional 650 MLD,” Velasco said.