Noy thanks China for dam project

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino yesterday thanked China for providing the Philippine government with a P5.2-billion loan that funded the construction and completion of a La Mesa Dam project.

“I thank the Chinese government for making this vital project a reality. This funding only indicates how neighbors in the region help each other to address problems and better serve the people,” he said.

Aquino though evaded questions from media on reports that around 30 Chinese ships have been spotted in the disputed Spratly islands.

Aquino said the second phase of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System’s Angat Water Utilization and Aqueduct Improvement Project (AWUAIP) in Quezon City was financed through the Preferential Buyer’s Credit of China Export-Import Bank.

The project was finished eight months ahead of schedule as a result of efficient contract management by the MWSS and the improved construction methodology of the contractor, China International Water and Electric Co.

Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing attended the event, along with executives of Manila Water and Maynilad. The Chinese envoy also refused to be interviewed by reporters.

“I’m not prepared. Give me a next time,” she said.

Aquino said the Philippines joins the whole world in its quest to unite all nations in bringing to all individuals, communities and nations the respect and dignity that they deserve.

In his speech during yesterday’s inauguration of the AWUAIP at the La Mesa Dam portal in Lagro, Quezon City, Aquino vowed to provide Filipinos with clean potable water.

Aquino said this dream would not have been possible if not for the unrelenting efforts of the concerned government agencies and stakeholders to plug the “leaks” plaguing the water industry.

He also thanked Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, MWSS chairman Ramon Alikpala and MWSS administrator Gerardo Esquivel for being instrumental in implementing clear-cut and decisive reforms in the water sector.

Aquino credited them for being very helpful in uplifting the MWSS situation, from being mired in P34-million debt in 2010 to earning a P330-million profit in 2011.

He also pointed out the agency was able to pay its obligation of P236 million to more than 1,000 MWSS retirees as well as a P150-million dividend to government coffers.

“The people would get the benefit from the MWSS and DPWH for these projects. Unlike before, the government would only take initiative if there’s a problem, but now we are ready to take on the challenges,” he said.

Aquino said the government remains committed to provide the people with the basic necessities.

Built at a cost of P1.3 billion, the AWUAIP Phase 2 involves the construction of a new 9.9-kilometer aqueduct (Aqueduct No. 6) and the rehabilitation of the deteriorated section of Aqueduct No. 5 that will allow the more efficient conveyance of raw water from Angat Dam to the La Mesa and Balara water treatment plants.

The AWUAIP, which consists of three development project phases, aims to recoup losses of 394 million liters of water a day due to leakages.

The first phase, which was completed in February 2006, involved the construction of a 5.5-kilometer bypass of the deteriorated section of the existing Aqueduct No. 5.

The amount of P1.5 billion was invested for Phase 1 that was financed by the Philippine government.

The second and third phases include the construction of the 9.9-km section of Aqueduct No. 6, the rehabilitation of Aqueduct No. 5 and the construction of interconnection facilities.

The total investment of P5.2 billion for the AWUAIP was financed through the Preferential Buyer’s Credit of China Export-Import Bank.

Once completed, the AWUAIP will ensure the safety and integrity of raw water conveyance from Angat Dam to the La Mesa and Balara treatment plants, thus maintaining security of water supply for the MWSS service area covering 12- to 14-million people.