By James A. Loyola
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) has given its final approval for the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project of WawaJVCO, the joint venture between Enrique Razon’s Prime Infra and businessman Oscar Violago’s San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders Group (SLRB).
The final approval of the remaining documents, which authorized MWSS Administrator Emmanuel Salamat to sign on behalf of the agency, was given during the MWSS Board of Trustees meeting held on November 14, 2019.
“As promised to the public, the Board has already given its Final Approval for the Wawa Bulk Water Project,” MWSS Chairman Reynaldo Velasco said.
He noted that, “this is good news for everyone, not only for the proponents and stakeholders, but more importantly for the MWSS consumers. This will ensure water security for the greater Metro Manila area in the coming years.”
The approval came in the light of the favorable opinion given by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) last November 7, 2019 on the remaining conditions precedent.
This approval is the remaining document to make the project fully effective and enable the project proponent to proceed in the development work.
“I would like to assure the public that MWSS is doing everything in its power to address the current water crisis. We are committed to make sure that we have enough supply to meet the demands of the growing population in Metro Manila,” Velasco said.
He added that, “I am sure the other government agencies who are mandated to issue permits will follow suit as this is a priority project to solve the water crisis.”
The Wawa Dam Project will supply 80 MLD in 2021 and more than 500 MLD in 2025.