LWUA marks 41st year

MANILA, Philippines - The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) marks its 41st anniversary today in simple ceremonies at its head office in Balara, Quezon City.

Since its establishment in 1973, LWUA has organized a total of 844 water districts covering 966 cities and municipalities and granted close to P30 billion in financial assistance to these water districts which translates to a total of 2,171 completed water supply projects directly benefiting 19.3 million Filipinos in the countryside.

LWUA Administrator Andres F. Ibarra said he is focusing on housecleaning and institutional reforms. LWUA identified and implemented corrective measures to ensure adherence to sound financial and internal control principles. Losses from unsound investments in the past are being recovered gradually. 

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) recently confirmed  a $60-million loan package for LWUA from the Asian Development Bank (ADB)  a portion of which is allocated to fund septage management projects of water districts as well as to assist Bulacan water districts in conjunction with MWSS’  Bulacan Bulk Water Project.

LWUA has also been selected  by NEDA as one of the three recipients of a grant under the  General Appropriations Act to conduct feasibility studies for sanitation/septage plans as well as non-revenue water reduction and control programs.

Ibarra added that LWUA now has the full trust and confidence of the national leadership. In his recent State of the Nation address, President Aquino underscored the need to continuously develop water supply systems in order for the country to  sustain its growing population and  economic growth.