LWUA, JICA deepen partnership for water development

MANILA, Philippines —  The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) deepened their partnership through broader coordination in modernizing the country’s water districts.

In a statement, LWUA said that current cooperation is focused on technical and inter?agency coordination for long?term sewerage planning, wastewater management and water?district development.

“Building resilient water systems takes long-term investment and collaboration. LWUA’s partnerships with institutions such as JICA allow us to draw on international experience while strengthening the capabilities of our local water districts to deliver sustainable and reliable services,” LWUA administrator Jose Moises Salonga said.

Among its major initiatives is the Master Plan Study on Comprehensive Sewerage System Development of Metro Cebu, which is scheduled for completion by 2027.

Covering eight local government units, the study aims to develop sewerage strategies through 2050 and raise wastewater treatment rates to as much as 90 percent.

LWUA added that JICA experts had briefed the project’s technical working group on its progress last March.

According to the Japanese agency, about 91 percent of Metro Cebu households have septic tanks, but more than half lack access to sludge-removal services.

It also noted that Mandaue City has been identified for a pre-feasibility study on wastewater management.

“This engagement illustrates the coordination needed to address water and sanitation challenges, as LWUA brings together water utilities, local governments, environmental agencies and international partners,” the agency said.

LWUA also serves as the implementing agency for the small water improvement project, which aims to support the improvement of facilities, management capacity and technical assistance to local water districts.

The agency added that improvements in water pressure, supply and reduction in non-revenue water was achieved through the program.

The project has delivered about 3,529 additional service connections and P44.75 million in additional annual revenues.