Maynilad allots P42M for QC pipe replacements

MANILA, Philippines - West Zone water concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. is spending P42 million to replace seven kilometers of old pipes in various portions of Quezon City within the third quarter of the year.

In a statement, the company said it has started replacing 4.7 kilometers of secondary pipes in Damar Village.

Also to be replaced are 2.3 kilometers of secondary pipes in various locations along Barangays San Antonio, Paltok, San Jose, Doña Imelda, Masambong, and Apolonio Samson. This will increase water pressure to 30 psi from 15 psi.

These projects are seen to improve water services for 6,000 residents in Quezon City.

“Deteriorated pipes are prone to leaks, breakages and intrusion of contaminants. We need to replace the old, leaky pipes we inherited to ensure the delivery of safe and reliable drinking water to our customers,” said Maynilad president and CEO Ricky P. Vargas.

The company recently announced that it will increase its water charges by P0.17 per cubic meter in reaction to the weakening of the peso against other foreign currencies particularly the dollar.

Under its concession agreement with the government through the Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System (MWSS), Maynilad can pass on to customers its foreign exchange gains or losses arising from the payment of its foreign currency-denominated loans as well as concession fees to the government.

The adjustment will be reflected in the August billing statement of customs. 

From the average all-in-tariff of P46.56 per cubic meter, Maynilad rates will increase to P46.73 per cubic meter, an upward adjustment of P0.17 per cubic meter.

In effect, households consuming 10 cubic meters or less every month will see their water bill increase by P0.39 from P119.12 to P119.51, while those consuming 20 cubic meters every month will see their water bill increase from P422.35 to P423.82, a difference of P1.47.