BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) yesterday held an inauguration and groundbreaking for P77-million worth of completed and new pipe-laying projects spanning about 5,418 linear meters.
These aim at improving water availability under MPIW’s service areas and reach unserved areas in Mandurriao and Jaro districts, respectively.
It also undertook a groundbreaking for three new pipe-laying projects along Diversion Road, Barangay San Rafael, Barangay Lanit, and Sito Ilya in Barangay Tabuc.
The water distributor tapped the services of two contractors that will lay pipes simultaneously in different areas.
Upon their completion, MPIW said it will be able to provide more than 6,000 households with potable water.
It is also expected to cease the operations of illegal deep wells in the area, which would support the policy of the National Water Resources Board.
Some residents source their water from deep wells, which can pose threats to the environment and health.
The upgraded pipes will not allow expensive water deliveries, which charge an average of P30/drum and can cost as much as P1,800 per month.
On the other hand, MPIW also inaugurated the completion of the pipe expansion project in Barangay Camalig and the retrofitting of the pipe crossing in Carpenter’s Bridge using the Tyfo-Fibrwrap Technology.
The water utility said they are the first water company in Western Visayas to use carbon fiber technology which allows leak repair without interrupting the water service during its leak repair activities.
“These projects strengthen Metro Pacific Iloilo Water’s commitment to uplifting the lives of Ilonggo communities through safe and reliable water. We thank the local government of Iloilo City for its continued support and for making this project possible,” said Andrew B. Pangilinan, MPIW President and CEO.
MPIW was established by 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).
It serves seven districts of Iloilo City and the municipalities of Oton, Sta. Barbara, Cabatuan, Maasin, San Miguel, Pavia and Leganes.
Mayor Jerry Treñas and members of the City Council also attended yesterday’s event.
In his speech, Treñas commended MPIW for another milestone investment in water infrastructures amid the drought spell brought by the El Niño phenomenon.
“These two pipelaying projects of MPIW are big reliefs to the communities and to the business establishments located along the coverage areas with the provision of safe, clean, and continuous supply of water,” Treñas said.
He said the completion of another 2.8-kilometer pipeline project along Diversion Road to Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao will benefit more than 300 households.
“With this project, we can expect an improved water supply along Diversion Road which is considered as the commercial hub of the city,” said Treñas.
The mayor also stressed that Barangay Lanit and Sitio Ilaya, Barangay Tabuk Suba, and Jaro Service Expansion Projects are expected to bring in water to more than 600 residential households as potential water service connections.
“We push for the realization of these projects because this will benefit, among others, our housing project beneficiaries like the nearly completed Uswag Condominium,” he said.
The mayor added that these projects mark a significant step forward in ensuring the availability of essential public utilities, especially water, to nearby residents.
“These projects do not only signify a commitment to providing quality public services but also highlight the importance of investing in sustainable infrastructure for the benefit of everyone including the future generations,” he said./PN
