BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City — Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) has conducted a series of public consultations regarding its proposed water rate adjustment.
In his letter to the Iloilo City Council, Angelo David Berba, MPIW’s Chief Operating Officer, noted that they have faithfully complied with the holding of public hearings as one of the key requisites for the new water tariff rate.
MPIW conducted public consultations with stakeholders from May 27 to 30, 2024 in its service areas in Iloilo City and seven nearby municipalities.
The City Council has passed a resolution requesting the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and MPIW to conduct public consultations regarding the water utility’s rate adjustment proposal from P20 to P29 per cubic meter.
The City Council, convening as a Committee of the Whole, initiated an inquiry “in aid of legislation” last June 10 regarding MPIW’s proposal.
The company has affirmed its commitment to transparency and cooperation with the City Council regarding its proposed water rate adjustment.
This was evidenced by the five-year service improvement plan, project updates, and achievement that the MPIW recently submitted to the City Council to support its proposal.
In ensuring transparency, MPIW emphasized that providing these documents allows the City Council to be completely informed on the areas where the proposed water rate adjustments will be allocated.
In his letter dated Aug. 22, Berba noted that LWUA had provided them a prior acknowledgment of the publicity and posting of notices in public and conspicuous places, newspaper advertisements, and even house-to-household flyer distribution by MIWD and MPIW.
The public consultation for concessionaires of Iloilo City was done live and in-person in the morning of May 27 at the Red Cross building on Bonifacio Street.
The event was also covered by members of the local media and concerned government agencies and stakeholders.
The MPIW and MIWD also continued their “barangayan” or information education communications activities relative to the program and the proposed water tariff adjustment.
“MPIW is continually committed to the improvement and advancement of our beloved Iloilo City. We are appreciative of the unending support of the Iloilo City Government,” stressed Berba.
Despite rising operational costs since 2019, including a 33% increase in bulk water prices, a 34% increase in fuel costs, a 74% increase in material costs, a 22% increase in chemical costs, a 25% increase in Labor costs, and continuous increase in permitting cost affecting project implementation MPIW has not adjusted its rates in six years.
Comparatively, MPIW’s current rates remain among the lowest in Metro Iloilo. MIWD has officially submitted the tariff rate application to LWUA, the application outlines detailed justifications for the proposed adjustment, emphasizing the need for sustainable financial planning to support the already substantial budget for ongoing service improvements and operational efficiencies, ensuring improved water services for residents and customers.
MPIW recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the P336-million hydraulic system (HS) pipe replacement project in the Jaro district, which is projected to boost the water supply in the metropolis by up to 15 million liters per day (MLD).
The replacement of pipes will also significantly improve water distribution efficiency and reduce losses due to leaks and outdated infrastructure in Iloilo City.
“This project is not just a set of pipes and infrastructure; it represents our vision of growth and resilience. Metro Pacific Iloilo Water is the first water utility in the Asia Pacific to use the largest diameter (1000 mm) PVCO pipes imported from Spain,” said Berba during the groundbreaking.
He noted that the new pipeline will ensure water supply, capacitating the demands of the city’s growing population.
The project’s pipe length spans 14.97 kilometers from Barangay Ungka to Jaro Plaza and is expected to be completed by December 2025.
“The project is part of MPIW’s broader efforts to address water supply challenges and improve service delivery in the metropolis. The new pipes are expected to reduce the non-water revenue in Jaro district from 70 percent to 25 percent, which translates to 10 – 15 million liters per day (MLD) recoverable volume for the customers,” said Angelo David Berba, MPIW’s Chief Operating Officer.
This latest water infrastructure project will enhance water supplies in Jaro, Mandurriao, and City Proper, and eliminate crossing of service lines across the road. It will also decommission the old and dilapidated pipeline and support the city’s growing population and development needs./PN
