The Philippine government is keen on tapping state-owned Chinese infrastructure contractor China First Highway Engineering Co. Ltd. (CFHEC) to help rehabilitate the Pasig River system, a very polluted watercourse that cuts through the metropolis and ends in Manila Bay.
CFHEC, in collaboration with local proponents, is also among the parties seen interested to participate in a prospective Manila Bay reclamation project.
The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) signed on March 22 a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with CFHEC to undertake a feasibility study for the full rehabilitation of Pasig River, an official statement said.
The feasibility study—including the requirements for the treatment of industrial wastewater and sewerage before draining to the waterways—will be undertaken by the CFHEC at no cost to the PRRC, the statement said.
Pursuant to the Build-Operate-Transfer Law under Republic Act No. 6957, as amended by RA 7728, the unsolicited proposal of the CFHEC will still be subject to the appropriate review and approval of the Philippine government through the conduct of a competitive challenge and in accordance to applicable laws and regulations.
The initiative is seen in line with President Duterte’s directive to control the pollution of the Pasig River system and enhance its development in order to maximize its use for socioeconomic purposes.
The MOU, which outlines the potential benefits of the partnership for the Pasig River, was signed by PRRC executive director Jose Antonio Goitia and CFHEC general manager Hou Jianchao together with other PRRC and CFHEC officials.
“We can rightfully claim that the President is ever supportive to the PRRC as manifested by his issuance of Administrative Order No. 16 last Feb. 19—giving particular roles for this Commission to perform in expediting the rehabilitation and restoration of the coastal and marine ecosystem of the Manila Bay,” Goitia said.
PRRC deems CFHEC to have the capacity and track record for implementing engineering and construction requirements of public infrastructure projects, including water treatment, roads, transportation and commercial development, among other works.
“Today marks another momentous event in the histories of the PRRC and CFHEC, as both signify to participate in joint undertaking for the cause of attaining the requirements of the Pasig River Integrated and Strategic Master Plan (Prism),” Goitia added.
PRRC’s mandate is to transform Pasig River and its environs into a “showcase of a new quality of urban life.” Its overarching goal is to boost river water quality and make it viable for fishery, secondary recreation like boating or even transform it into a bulk water supply source for manufacturing processes.
The government last year said it was keen on privatizing the operations of the Pasig River ferry system, which is up for rehabilitation. The upgrade of the ferry service would open new stations along the river in the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati, Taguig, Pasig and Marikina.
The government is planning to build 29 stations servicing 76,000 commuters a day or 19.84 million a year, excluding passenger volumes for weekend schedules, tours or express routes. It also plans to put in place 24 air-conditioned boats with a 50-seat capacity each as well as a regular 15-minute interval for boats.