By Madelaine B. Miraflor
As Manila Water Corporation, and Maynilad Water Sercvices, Inc. disagree over raw water supply allocation, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) had stepped in to assure the public that there is no water shortage.
MWSS Administrator Reynaldo Velasco yesterday allayed fears of an impending water shortage despite the onset of the dry season.
Reynaldo Velasco
He issued the statement as the MWSS stepped in to stop the "brewing war" between Manila Water and Maynilad.
In an interview, Velasco said the problem between the two concessionaires has been resolved even as MWSS is considering the idea of taking control over a valve that controls the release of water.
Per the concession agreement — which states how much raw water the two companies can get from Angat Dam before they convert it to clean and potable water — Maynilad is allocated 60 percent share of water while Manila Water gets the 40 percent.
“60-40 is not about up to the last decimal,” Velasco said. “Even Manila Water and Maynilad admitted that they have already discussed the issue. One has to give way to one other. If Manila Water is at its peak hours, Maynilad should give way, same thing with Manila Water.”
Meanwhile, Velasco said his assurance for adequate water supply is not only limited this dry season.
“We have enough water supply not only during the summer season but in the next 20 to 25 years,” Velasco said.
According to him, the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has a continuing Water Security Program that is parallel to the demand, even with a provision of about 7 percent 10 percent buffer.
Concessionaires are also required to submit continuous supply-demand projections to determine the amount to be invested in the water infrastructure.
As of now, MWSS is constantly implementing improvements to the tunnels and transmission lines to avoid water service interruption for both concessionaires.
NWRB Executive Director Dr. Sevillo D. David Jr. also assured the public following a meeting yesterday at his office with the concessionaires and other water officials for adequate allocation of water supply as requested by the MWSS Chief as early as January this year.
“We remain positive that this concern will be resolved using the proper channel. Continuous adjustments are being fine-tuned that will be mutually beneficial to all parties and to the best interest of our customers, said Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water head of Corporate Communications.
Maynilad Vice President for Government Relations Anette de Ocampo welcomes the statement of Velasco and is optimistic the issue will be put to rest as projected over the few days in the media. She said Maynilad is also concerned with the water allocation issue to be resolved so as not to derail good relations that Maynilad has developed with MWSS and its Manila over the last 10 years.