Maynilad gives discount to low-income customers

MANILA, Philippines - Maynilad Water Services Inc. yesterday said it will provide discounts to make water services more affordable to low-income households within its concession area.

According to the water concessionaire, lifeline customers whose water consumption does not exceed 10 cubic meters per month will get 41 percent discount on basic water rate.

Maynilad said it also reduced water service application fees for residents of poor areas. From a standard fee of P8,160, including guaranty deposit, they will only be charged about P3,000 as the company shoulders two-thirds of the cost for service connection.

Senior citizens whose monthly water consumption does not exceed 30 cubic meters are entitled to a five percent discount while government-owned or non-profit senior citizen centers and homes are given 50 percent markdown.

Maynilad said it will also give preferential rates to small businesses such as home-based sari-sari stores.

On the other hand, institutions providing vital services to the public will be charged semi-business rate instead of commercial rate.

These institutions include public preparatory, elementary, secondary and tertiary schools managed by local government units; public hospitals; and jails (excluding detention centers within police stations and military camps).

“We are committed to provide affordable water to our customers, which is why we give discounts and subsidies to those with modest and limited means,” Maynilad president and chief executive officer Ricky Vargas said.

Maynilad is a concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage Systems for the West Zone, which is composed of the cities of Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon.