BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW), this city’s major water distributor, appealed for understanding from consumers amid the worsening water scarcity besetting this metropolis and seven adjacent municipalities.
In a press briefing yesterday, Angelo David Berba, MPIW chief operating officer, said they were facing a “worst case scenario” as water in Maasin Dam, their main source, dipped to a nearly critical level of 93.62 meters above sea level (ASL).
Likewise, MPIW said its bulk water suppliers were affected by changes in rainfall patterns due to climate change, leading to longer droughts, hence affecting water supply availability.
“This over-reliance on just two supply sources has caused great strain on the water servicing industry and, unfortunately, has led to more service interruptions,” the MPIW said in a statement.
The water distributor reiterated it is committed to providing sustainable water solutions under its franchised areas, adding they are facing these challenges of infrastructure, and supply head-on.
“We take responsibility for our shortcomings. But what is more important for us is to continue working and finding new solutions so that we can fast-track supply recovery,” MPIW said.
Mayor Jerry Treñas had said he was “utterly disappointed” at the water service of MPIW.
Treñas lamented that the city government has become a “water boy” because of how MPIW handled the water crisis.
The mayor said he would meet with officials of MPIW, Metro Iloilo Water District, and South Balibago Water Resources, the other water distributor in Iloilo City but specifically serving Jaro district.
Berba said they began rolling out infrastructure projects that will significantly lower our water losses which can increase supply levels.
“In the short term, we are looking at a recovery of water losses of 10MLD with Pipe Rehabilitations, the use of technology such as the Sahara Mobile Leak Detection, and Tyfo-Fibre Wrap Technology; Medium Term is the development of a 60.5 mld Desalination Plant which started its pre-development works starting January 2024 and our Long-Term plan is to secure other sustainable water sources in Visayas” said Berba.
The MPWI said presently negotiating with all bulk water suppliers to help provide water supplies, apart from the desalination plant which can help augment supply for Iloilo City and the rest of our Metro Iloilo concession.
“The demand for reliable potable water in Iloilo has increased considerably over the years. This is due to some factors, among them urban migration and intensified economic activities,” said Berba.
He noted the unprecedented demand for water due to the city’s fast-growing population and the construction of high-rise buildings and condominiums.
Starting 2023 through 2027, the company said it will invest heavily in infrastructure projects as part of its service enhancement program.
MPIW is targeting to spend over P1 billion for water service improvements. It will also focus on the installation of new pipelines and the replacement and repair of worn-out pipes and infrastructure assets.
“The company is expecting new pipelines from Spain the first week of June boasting the largest diameter pipeline in Asia-Pacific which will be laid in Iloilo City, which is identified as having a high water loss due to aging infrastructure. These activities will help to reduce losses in the network, thus leading to supply recovery for distribution,” said Berba./PN
