BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The major water distributor here, Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW), has appealed for public patience as its ongoing pipe replacement project in Barangay Ungka, Jaro led to traffic flow disruption.
The P336-million hydraulic system (HS) Jaro total pipe replacement project is part of MPIW’s efforts to enhance the city’s water infrastructure and ensure a more dependable water supply.
MPIW acknowledges the construction work’s adverse impact on local traffic and aims to complete the project by December.
The company has conducted a Project Stakeholder Briefing for its pipe laying project to concerned organizations and agencies which include DPWH Region 6, the City Government, and the Public Safety and Traffic Management Office (PSTMO) months before the commencement of the project.
In a statement, Angelo David Berba, MPIW’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “We are committed to improving our water supply through this vital infrastructure upgrade. We recognize that the project has led to considerable traffic disruption, especially during peak hours, and we apologize for any inconvenience.”
Berba said they are working with PSTMO to further improve the traffic management scheme, and “we will implement adjustments to the construction schedule to reduce inconvenience for students and commuters during rush-hours.”
On Wednesday, MPIW held a groundbreaking ceremony for the pipe replacement, which aims to increase the city’s water supply by up to 15 million liters per day (MLD). The project will involve replacing 14.97 kilometers of pipes from Barangay Ungka to Jaro Plaza and is expected to be completed by year’s end.
Berba noted, “This project is part of our broader efforts to tackle water supply challenges and improve service delivery. We anticipate that the new pipes will reduce non-water revenue in Jaro from 70 percent to 25 percent, translating to an additional 10-15 MLD for customers. Additionally, we will eliminate redundant transmission lines along Lopez Jaena Street and decommission a 50-millimeter distribution line while establishing five new district meter areas.”
Mayor Jerry Treñas, for his part, highlighted the importance of the project, emphasizing its role in ensuring long-term infrastructure sustainability.
“I encourage all residents to support this project and be patient during its implementation. Your cooperation is crucial for the successful completion of this important initiative, which will ultimately provide a more reliable and efficient water supply for everyone,” said Treñas.
Beyond the pipe replacement project, MPIW is also seeking additional sustainable bulk water providers in Western Visayas, securing water rights, and addressing regulatory and logistical aspects. The water utility plans to invest heavily in infrastructure from 2023 to 2027, including a P1-billion investment in water service improvements./PN
