Villar-led group may bag Clark water deal

A consortium led by the Villar Group has submitted the lowest bid for the water and wastewater infrastructure project in New Clark City (NCC), besting Ayala’s Manila Water Company, Inc.

According to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the consortium consists of Prime Water Infrastructure Corp., Prime Asset Ventures, Inc. (PAVI),  MGS Construction, Inc. and Israel’s Tahal Group, a global provider of sustainable infrastructure.

These local firms are either part or in business with the Villar Group.

BCDA said the Primewater, PAVI, MGS Construction, and Tahal consortium submitted the lower bid of P9.45 per cubic meter, besting the P11.00 per cubic meter bid by Manila Water Company.

This was determined during the opening of technical and financial proposals held at the BCDA Corporate Center in Taguig City earlier this week.

The water and wastewater project ensures a safe, affordable and sustainable water source in New Clark City.

It incorporates smart components, including advanced metering infrastructure, and high standard wastewater treatment.

BCDA Senior Vice President and Chief Finance Officer Nena  Radoc, who also chairs the joint venture selection committee, said the Prime Water Consortium would undergo a postqualification process as part of due diligence before the award.

BCDA targets to sign the joint venture agreement with the winning partner by the end of the month.

New Clark City, located within the Clark Special Economic Zone, is envisioned to be the first smart, green, and sustainable metropolis in the country.

Phase 1A, which covers 60 hectares, involves the construction of the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC), including the world-class sports complex to be used for the Philippines’ hosting of the Southeast Asian Games in 2019.