MWSS urges British water firms to pump up local water districts

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) is urging British water firms to explore investment opportunities outside concession areas in Metro Manila and help local water districts develop their capabilities.

“There is an opportunity for you to help us by looking at our local water districts and try to work with them. We need strong partnerships,” MWSS deputy administrator Zoilo Andin Jr. said in a keynote address during a briefing on water opportunities held at the British Embassy late Wednesday.

UK-based firms that presented their services include AMEC Foster Wheeler, Arup, Biwater, Naylor Drainer Ltd., Perceptive Engineering, Polypipe.

These companies are engaged in various aspects of water servicing such as water and wastewater treatment, desalination, operation and maintenance of water systems, piping solutions, engineering, and design.

During the briefing, Metro Manila water concessionaires Maynilad Water Services and Manila Water Co. also presented investment opportunities within their respective contract areas and invited water firms to submit proposals.

Some of these companies already have working relationships with metro water concessionaires.

Andin said while water systems in Metro Manila are still open for investments, local water districts are in dire need of technical expertise to optimize their operations.

Local water districts are government-owned and controlled corporations that operate and maintain a water supply system in provinces or municipalities.

Many water districts in the country lack the technical expertise to lower non-revenue water and deliver adequate wastewater treatment services.

Several companies have signified their interest in working with local water districts but at the same time expressed apprehension because of the difficulties in dealing with these entities.

“It would be an interesting idea but it is often difficult to talk to these water districts because it takes so much time and there are many layers of people to talk to,” said a company representative who requested anonymity.

Historically, funding for local water districts tend to be limited.

The briefing was meant to link the capabilities of British water firms to the requirements in the Philippine water sector.

The MWSS is now focused on the delivery of three major water projects aimed at improving water supply in the greater Metro Manila area. These are the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply, New Centennial Water Source (NCWS)-Kaliwa Dam project and Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike.

The government is calling for fresh bids for the P18.72 billion New Centennial Water Source (NCWS)-Kaliwa Dam Project after the first batch of interested bidders failed the pre-qualification process.

The MWWS is giving interested companies until Sept. 16 to submit their complete and duly accomplished pre-qualification documents.