President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently signed a memorandum directing the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to implement a 60-day suspension of all regulations, ordinances, or other issuances that would restrict or prohibit leak repairs done by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and its two concessionaires – Maynilad and Manila Water.
In the January 26 memorandum, the President stressed the importance of prioritizing the leak repairs of the water concessionaires in order to “avert an imminent water shortage in Metro Manila and nearby areas.â€
Maynilad is currently undertaking a P314-million leak repair program to promptly address the water loss problem in its concession area. As of January 2010, the water company has identified 2,965 leaks for repair. Most of the leaks are located in Caloocan, Commonwealth, Fairview, Malabon, Navotas, Roosevelt, Valenzuela, Pasay and Makati.
With the directive given by President Macapagal-Arroyo, Maynilad can go full blast in its leak repair operations. Once fixed, the leaks could result in water savings of around 40 million liters of water per day, thus lowering the water concessionaire’s non-revenue water by around 2%.
“Our team of engineers and contractors will work 24/7 to fix the identified leaks. We also encourage our customers to check their own homes for leaks to limit water loss in Metro Manila.,†said Cherubim Ocampo, Head of Maynilad’s Corporate Affairs and Public Relations Department.
Maynilad’s concession area covers the cities of Manila (all but portions of San Andres & Sta Ana), Quezon City (west of San Juan River, West Avenue, EDSA, Congressional, Mindanao Avenue, the northern part starting from the Districts of the Holy Spirit & Batasan Hills), Makati (west of South Super Hi-way), Caloocan, Pasay, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon all in Metro Manila; Cavite City, and the towns of Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all in Cavite Province.
To report pipe leaks and illegal connections in these areas, the public may call Maynilad Hotline 1626. The number is available 24/7.