124-B Bulacan water project starts operation today

The phase 1 of San Miguel Corp.'s 124-billion Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project (BBWSP) — the first major water infrastructure project to come on-line during this administration — will start operation today (Monday) after almost seven years of construction.

BBWSP is a public-private partnership (PPP) between San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) meant to provide treated bulk water to 24 water service providers in Bulacan province. The concession was awarded to Luzon Clean Water Development Corp., a consortium of San Miguel Holdings (80 percent) and K-Water Resources Corp. (20 percent).

According to MWSS, BBWSP will start commercial operations today initially covering water districts that were selected as part of the phase 1 of the project.

The BBWSP consists of three stages. Stage 1 covers Obando, Meycauayan City, Marilao, Bocaue, San Jose del Monte, and Balagtas.

Stage 2, on the other hand, covers seven water districts consisting of Guiguinto, Calumpit, Bulakan, Plaridel, Sta. Maria, Paombong and Malolos, while Stage 3 covers Baliuag, Plaridel, Pandi, Hagonoy, San Rafael, San Miguel, Norzagaray, Angat, Dona Remedios Trinidad, San Ildefonso, and Bustos.

The project's commencement will be followed by an inauguration happening two weeks from now to be led by President Rodrigo Duterte. (MBM)