The Upper Wawa Dam, the second phase of the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project, remains on schedule to start commercial operations by the end of 2025 as the overall progress rate exceeded 70 percent.

WawaJVCo Inc., led by Prime Infra, said on Wednesday that the 85-meter roller-compacted concrete dam is expected to be completed in a few months, followed by the completion of the rest of the plant.

Phase 2 or the Upper Wawa Dam can deliver over 700 MLD of water by the end of 2025. The project's first phase or the Tayabasan Weir has been delivering the initial 80 million liters per day or MLD since it began operations.

"The exceptional construction pace at Upper Wawa Dam showcases Prime Infra's commitment to delivering on our commitments in developing water supply infrastructure at this scale. We are pleased that the project continues to be materially ahead of schedule. We take great pride in ensuring that we sustain this pace and do so safely by 2025," said Prime Infra President and CEO Guillaume Lucci.

"The Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project aims to secure sufficient capacity to meet the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and its concessionaires' water needs. Phase 1 became operational in record time in October 2022," Lucci said.

Once operational, the dam will have a yearlong water supply capacity of over 700 MLD benefiting the residents of the greater Metro Manila area, including the province of Rizal.

Apart from providing a reliable water supply source, the Upper Wawa Dam will also help mitigate the perennial problem of flooding in the downstream areas and localities of the Marikina River.

The Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project in Rizal is one of the national government's infrastructure flagship projects that will address water security, specifically in the MWSS service area.

The project is the largest water supply dam to be constructed in over 50 years when Angat Dam was built. It will increase Manila Water Co.'s capacity by over 30 percent of its current water supply allocation from the Angat Dam of approximately 1,600 MLD.

WawaJVCo is also implementing a watershed management plan that includes reforestation activities around the site of the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project covering 1,800 hectares.