Maynilad to spend P5.8B for pipe network projects

By: Riza T. Olchondra Philippine Daily Inquirer

9:07 pm |

Monday, June 6th, 2011

Maynilad Water Services Inc. said Monday it would spend P5.86 billion this year to improve and extend its pipe network in Pasay, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas and Cavite.

In a statement, Maynilad said P3.52 billion would be used to expand its primary lines in Pasay, Parañaque, Muntinlupa and Cavite.

Almost P1.61 billion will be used to install pipe lines from Las Piñas to Cavite.

For pipe-laying projects in Muntinlupa, almost P396.43 million will be used, while P329.91 million will be spent for pipe extension projects in Parañaque.

In total, over 450 kilometers of primary and secondary pipelines will be laid. This is seen to improve service levels and serve formerly unreached customers in Maynilad’s concession area.

Once completed, the projects will benefit more than 520,000 residents and generate more than 58,500 jobs. The infrastructure investments will also allow households and establishments in the expansion areas to finally have access to surface water.

“For decades, the people in Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Pasay and Cavite have been sourcing their water from deep wells. Finally, we are able to replicate in the South the notable achievements that we were able to do in the northern part of Manila,” said Maynilad president and CEO Ricky Vargas.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and DMCI Holdings Inc. entered into a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) in 2007. Since then, the partnership has resulted in improved water and wastewater services for those in the west zone.

From 32 percent in 2007, Maynilad customers who have 24-hour water supply now stands at 79 percent.