RDC endorses technical aid for MCWD projects

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Development Council has endorsed the inclusion of the Project Preparatory Technical Assistance, which will support the water supply and sanitation services of the Metro Cebu Water District, to the Regional Development Investment Program.

The endorsement was approved during the RDC second quarter full council meeting last Friday. Following the endorsement, the RDC has asked to be involved in the project consultations of MCWD.

The council likewise asked to be regularly provided with status report of the feasibility study preparation; and to present the final feasibility study to the Infrastructure Development Committee.

The Asian Development Bank earlier approved the request of the Philippine Government for the PPTA to support the preparation of feasibility studies on Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project.

The assistance will support the services of MCWD and the Davao City Water District.

The PPTA will facilitate the provisions of experts in urban water supply and sanitation in terms of policy formulation, strategic and investment planning, financial structuring, technical feasibility studies and designs, and performance assessment improvement of the two water districts; utilizing a participatory approach through wide-reaching consultations.

In particular, the PPTA will develop and review feasibility studies, prepare strategies for capacity development and wastewater management, and carry out all required due diligence on technical feasibility, energy efficiency and economic viability, governance issues, social impacts and safeguards.

The PPTA will be used as basis for investments in surface water source development, network rehabilitation and expansion, wastewater strategy development, and wastewater infrastructure which will be financed by the ADB through a Multi-tranche Financing Facility, with co-financing by development partners and the private sector to be actively explored. — (FREEMAN)