Metro water concessionaires press for higher rates

Metro Manila water concessionaires continue to lobby for higher rates on the mandatory rate rebasing following a recent stakeholders consultation.

During a public consultation with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) yesterday, concessionaires Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc. pressed for rate adjustments.

Maynilad is eyeing a P11 per cubic meter increase while Manila Water wants an P8.30 per cubic meter adjustment.

Both water companies presented their projects and proposals that were considered for the increase before nongovernment organizations and some lawmakers.

MWSS, however, has yet to come up with its final decision.

Earlier this month, MWSS said rate rebasing for the concessionaires will likely result in an upward adjustment by August if reviews are finished in the next few weeks.

Both concessionaires are optimistic that the MWSS-Regulatory Office will come up with its decision next month.

The mandatory five-year rate rebasing for Maynilad and Manila Water has been delayed for five months already due to the change in MWSS administration.

Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire in the country in terms of customer base. It serves the areas of Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, Malabon, and certain portions of Manila, Quezon City, Makati and Cavite.