MWSS sees PPP as solution to water security

Even as the Duterte administration is no longer inclined to approve more Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) still sees the scheme as one of the solutions to water security.

During the Singapore Water Week 2018 and the Asia Water Council, which was attended by the Philippines, former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said the “optimistic solution to climate change and water security is Public-Private Partnership which is the best solution aside from science and technology.”

MWSS Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco agreed to this, saying that Philippines is way ahead in advocating PPP with its two concessionaires, Manila Water Company, Inc. and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. — who have both adopted the newest technologies and innovations in their respective water systems.

The partnership, according to him, was borne out of the successful PPP that saw fruition in 1997 during President Fidel V. Ramos’ administration.

Last year, the administration announced that it prefers getting Official Development Assistance (ODA) to finance the country's infrastructure projects.

Following this announcement, MWSS said the Kaliwa Dam project, a portion of the administration's flagship New Centennial Water Source Project (NCWSP), will no longer be done through the PPP scheme and would instead be funded through an ODA coming from China.

The project will cost R19 billion to build. The Chinese government committed R10.2 billion worth of ODA to help fund the Kaliwa Dam project.

Velasco, a director of the Asia Water Council, headed the 20man Philippine delegation to the Singapore Water Week 2018.

The delegation includes Maynilad President Ramoncito Fernandez, Maynilad COO Randy Estrellado and four others as well as Manila Water headed by its COO Ding Carpio and 11 others.

During his speech at the conference, Velasco underscored the water agency’s progress with its three concessionaires – Maynilad, Manila Water and San Miguel Bulk Water – in ensuring water security and better wastewater management through the application of smart water management.