MWSS approves Wawa Dam project

Set for completion in 2021, the Wawa Dam project is expected to add some 80 million liters per day to MWC’s supply. #Wawawatersupplyproject

Wawa Dam in Montalban, Rizal. (Em Em Rives)

The Metro Manila’s deteriorating water supply may soon be augmented as water regulator Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) has finally approved the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project.

The project is to be undertaken by WawaJVCO, the joint venture between Enrique Razon’s Prime Infra and businessman Oscar Violago’s San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders Group (SLRB).

The final approval of the remaining documents happened during the MWSS Board of Trustees meeting held last 14 November.

Signed by MWSS Administrator Emmanuel Salamat on behalf of the agency, the 7-month delayed approval came in the light of the favorable opinion given by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) last 7 November 2019.

This go-signal also serves as a resolution to the long-standing legal issues between the MWSS and Prime Infra’s joint venture partner SLRB. The said legal issues had prevented the implementation of the project for 10 years now.

With this in place, project proponents can now proceed with the development work on the Wawa Dam.

Seven months ago, the Manila Water Co. (MWC) reported to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) that it had entered into an agreement with Prime Infra for the Wawa JVCo.

“As promised to the public, the Board has already given its Final Approval for the Wawa Bulk Water Project,” Chairman Reynaldo Velasco said.

“This is good news for everyone, not only for the proponents and stakeholders but more importantly for the MWSS consumers. This will ensure water security for the greater Metro Manila area in the coming years.”

Velasco vowed that the MWSS would do everything in its power to address the current water crisis

“We are committed to making sure that we have enough supply to meet the demands of the growing population in Metro Manila. I am sure the other government agencies who are mandated to issue permits will follow suit as this is a priority project to solve the water crisis,” Velasco said.

In terms of tariff, Velasco said the impact is expected to be very minimal considering the total systems cost of the treated water is cost-effective compared to other water source options as well the strategic location of the water supply source within the east zone concession.

Velasco emphasized that water security is one of the priorities of the Duterte administration of which the Wawa Dam Project is a significant part.

In an interview, MWC head of Corporate Communications Jeric Sevilla told Daily Tribune that they welcome the approval.

Sevilla said a new water source “will help augment the current supply in the short-term.”

However, he underscored that the water regulator should also work to develop medium- to long-term water sources “to ensure the sustainability of water supply.”

Apart from rainwater harvesting and water desalination plants, MWSS Chief Regulator Patrick Ty maintained that the construction of the China-funded Kaliwa Dam remains as the government’s long-term plan to solve the megacity’s water shortage.

Set for completion in 2021, the Wawa Dam project is expected to add some 80 million liters per day (MLD) to MWC’s supply. By 2025, the dam is projected to produce over 500 MLD.

It is considered the largest water supply project that will be implemented under the Duterte Administration.

The project involves the development of a water supply facility at the Wawa catchment area from Rodriguez Municipality to Antipolo City in Rizal Province to provide both raw or treated water to consumers and distributors in Metro Manila and nearby communities.

Wawa Dam was the first source of potable water for the metropolitan area before Angat Dam became the primary source.

Currently, Angat watershed supplies 96 percent of water to Metro Manila and adjoining provinces such as Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan.

Based on the latest monitoring, water elevation in Angat Dam is at 187.75 meters; Ipo Dam at 100.59 meters and La Mesa Dam 77.58 meters.

NWRB executive director Sevillo David Jr. warned that the water interruptions in Metro Manila may continue until next year’s rainy season if Angat Dam’s water level does not reach 190 MLD by yearend.