Maynilad allots P1.6 billion for sewage treatment plants

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and DMCI Holdings-led Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) will spend around P1.6 billion to build 11 sewage treatment plants (STPs) this year.

Maynilad will construct the STPs in Bagbag, Tatalon, Tandang Sora, Baesa, Samson, Del Monte, Bahay Toro, San Antonio, Paltok, Doña Imelda in Quezon City and Paco in Manila.

The STPs will have a total treatment capacity of 57,000 cubic meters per day (cmd) of wastewater and will serve parts of the San Juan River catchment, as well as the Paco area.

Currently, Maynilad has three STPs with a combined capacity of 470,000 cmd.

The west zone water utility company also plans to expand its wastewater coverage using a combined sewerage system (CSS), which will allow wastewater flow from existing drainages to be collected for treatment before being discharged to major bodies of water.

Maynilad president and CEO Ricky Vargas said the additional sewerage facilities form part of their strategic plan to provide full wastewater service coverage in the west zone.

He said that “through proper treatment of wastewater, we protect the environment and contribute to the health, wellness and safety of the communities we serve.”

Maynilad has earmarked P78.8 billion for its sewerage & sanitation program from 2008 to 2037.

For this year, Maynilad allocated P2.3 billion for its wastewater projects.

The west zone concessionaire is spending P5.1 billion for the period 2009-2012, and another P18.5 billion for 2013-2016, and P27.2 billion for 2017-2021 to achieve a 66-percent sewerage coverage.

Its expenditure for its sewerage and sanitation project includes the cost of land for the construction of the STPs.

From 2022-2037, Maynilad plans to achieve 100-percent sewer coverage in its concession area, and will allot P28 billion for its completion.

Since its reprivatization in 2007, Maynilad has invested nearly P2 billion to improve wastewater services in its concession area. 

It has connected over 6,000 accounts to its sewer network, and has treated nearly 191 million cu.m. of wastewater.

The company has also cleaned nearly 225,000 septic tanks of Maynilad customers who are not yet connected to a sewer line.

Aside from building the additional STPs, Maynilad also supports multi-sectoral efforts to clean up major water systems such as the Pasig River and Manila Bay.

Maynilad is heavily involved in the on-going Estero de Paco improvement program through the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC).