Prime Infra, partner complete first phase of Wawa water project

The first phase of the P26-billion Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project has been completed, according to the infrastructure arm of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr.

The Wawa project is “a critical water infrastructure flagship project of the government, which aims to provide ample water supply to Metro Manila and the province of Rizal,” said Prime Infra in a statement.

The firm has partnered with San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders and Developers Group Inc. of businessman Oscar Violago in a venture called WawaJVCo Inc. to develop the project.

The first phase involves the Tayabasan Weir, whose reservoir was filled up in early June, signaling its completion ahead of an October schedule. It will deliver 80 million liters per day (MLD).

Tayabasan Weir

The Tayabasan Weir, a 25-meter high roller compacted concrete structure, is comprised of three parts: the weir where water is impounded, the pumping station that brings the bulk water to the water treatment plant, and the buried water pipeline where the bulk water passes to get to the water treatment plant.

Prime Infra president and CEO Guillaume Lucci said they were able to “secure the necessary permits and most importantly, obtain the seal of approval for the social aspects of the project further demonstrating our capability to deliver not only critical water infrastructure but also provide economic upliftment of local communities and environmental conservation.”

Lucci said the company was also developing a master plan to make Wawa “an ecotourism site that will provide long-term positive impact [to the community].”

The second phase of the Wawa project, dubbed the Upper Wawa Dam, will deliver at least 518 MLD to Manila Water Co. Inc. and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System.

WawaJVCo secured in March this year the Dumagat/Remontado Indigenous People of Antipolo and Rodriguez’s approval for the Upper Wawa Dam, the fourth and final section of a process to secure the consent of groups and stakeholders who may be affected by the project.

It likewise received a “certificate precondition” from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, which states that the process, or the “free and prior, informed consent” for getting the groups’ approval has been complied with by the company. INQ