Maynilad steps up spending

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) accelerated its capital spending from 2007 to June 2012, resulting in improved water services for 8.1 million customers.

From 1997 to 2006, only P7.7 billion was invested in the water infrastructure network of the West Zone. Under its new owners, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and DMCI Holdings Inc., Maynilad spent P34 billion to rehabilitate, upgrade and expand its infrastructure, services and water recovery capabilities. The investment is about four times more than what was spent in its first decade of operations.

The accelerated spending has allowed Maynilad to turn its operations around and improve services. From two million customers, or 32 percent, in 2006, Maynilad customers who now have 24-hour water supply have increased to 7.1 million customers, or 88 percent of the total by the end of June 2012. Those who receive their water supply at a minimum pressure of 7 pounds per square inch (psi) have more than doubled from 2.8 million customers, or 45 percent, to 7.8 million, or 96 percent, in the same period.

Maynilad’s investments also resulted in the expansion of its customer coverage, from only 6.1 million people at the end of 2006 to more than 8.1 million by June 2012.

For 2012, Maynilad earmarked P8.4 billion for the improvement and expansion of its water and wastewater services.