After Kaliwa, P12-B Kanan water project up next

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) is awaiting the green light to proceed with the development of the P12-billion Kanan-Agos project which would provide an alternative source of water for residents of Metro Manila and adjacent areas.

The MWSS already submitted the additional requirements requested by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and is awaiting the latter’s approval before undertaking the project.

MWSS Angat/Ipo operations management division head Patrick James Dizon said a local firm submitted an unsolicited proposal to undertake the proposed water source but did not divulge its entity.

The MWSS encountered setbacks in implementing the Kanan-Agos project, he said.

“Other than the pandemic, the Neda requested us to provide many requirements for review and we have already submitted them,” said Dizon. “We keep following up with Neda.”

“We had a meeting with the private proponent. We need to comply with the requirements of Neda so it’s a bit delayed,” he told reporters.

The proposed water project, which will draw water from the Kanan River, can generate 3,800 million liters per day (MLD) of water. The Kanan River forms part of the Kaliwa-Kanan-Agos River Basin in Quezon province.

It has two phases: 800 MLD (phase 1 or the Upper Kaliwa) and 3,000 MLD (phase 2 or Kanan Dam) which will benefit residents of Rizal and Cavite.

Water to be generated from the Kanan-Agos project will be split between water concessionaires Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc. Dizon said around 17 million customers will benefit from this project.

“We want to develop an additional source of water so we don’t just rely on the Angat Dam,” Dizon said. INQ