BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The P336-million hydraulic system (HS) pipe replacement project in Jaro district of the Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) is expected to boost the water supply in the metropolis by up to 15 million liters per day (MLD).
Yesterday, the MPIW held a groundbreaking ceremony for the replacement of pipes, which will significantly improve water distribution efficiency and reduce losses due to leaks and outdated infrastructure in Iloilo City.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.
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.
“This is an exciting moment for us. The new pipeline will incorporate state-of-the-art PVCO pipes imported from Spain making MPIW the first water utility to use the largest 1000-millimeter diameter pipe in the Asia Pacific to ensure that our water infrastructure is future-ready. We are committed to completing this project on time and with the highest quality standards” Berba added.
This water infrastructure project will also eliminate the double-transmission lines along Lopez Jaena Street in Jaro from the hydraulic system boundary going to Jaro Plaza.
The parallel 50-millimeter distribution line will be decommissioned, and the five additional district meter areas will be established for the pipe replacement project
MPIW is focusing on the installation of new pipelines and the replacement and rehabilitation of worn-out pipes as part of its service enhancement program.
The company is investing P1-billion for 2024 which includes the purchase of the largest-diameter PVC-O pipes from Spain, and Iloilo will be the first to use it in Asia-Pacific.
As part of its long-term goal, MPIW plans to invest P8 billion for its five-year development program (2024-2028) to ensure water security and sustainable services while improving operational efficiency. Of P8-billion, some P4-billion will be spent on capital expenditures (capex).
Apart from major pipe replacement projects, MPIW is currently sourcing additional sustainable bulk water providers within Western Visayas, water rights, price consideration, regulatory permits, and timeline of delivery.
From 2023 until 2027, the water utility said it will invest heavily in infrastructure projects as part of its service enhancement program such as the P1-billion for water service improvements.
MPIW was established in 2019 through a joint-venture agreement between the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) and Metro Pacific Water (MPW), which is the wholly owned water infrastructure investment of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).
For his part, Mayor Jerry Treñas said the pipe replacement project underscores the firm’s commitment to investing in sustainable infrastructure for the well-being of all, including future generations.
“I urge all residents to support this project to minimize any inconvenience that may arise during the implementation phase. Your understanding and patience are vital in the successful completion of this important endeavor, which will ultimately benefit all of us by ensuring a more reliable and efficient water supply,” said Treñas./PN
