The MWSS Regulatory Office (RO) conducted a series of public consultations regarding the possible tariff impact of the proposed Calawis-Wawa Dam Project. The Calawis-Wawa Dam is one of the alternative water sources that could be utilized to augment the inadequacy in water supply, and prevent water shortages from happening again in the future. It was found to be the fastest and most effective structure to address the water shortage in the East Zone.

The entire Calawis-Wawa water supply project will be undertaken by Manila Water Company Inc. (MWCI) and WawaJVCo. Once Phase 1 (Calawis Antipolo Source System) of the project is completed in 2021, it will be able to supply 80 million liters per day (MLD) to Manila Water consumers; while Phase 2 (New Wawa Dam) will be able to deliver 438 MLD by 2025, for a total of 518MLD.

A comprehensive discussion on the project and its possible implications to the affected consumers of MWCI was led by MWSS RO Chief Regulator Atty. Patrick Lester N. Ty, Deputy Administrator for Customer Service Regulation Area (CSRA) Mr. Lee Robert M. Britanico, Deputy Administrator for Administration and Legal Affairs Area (ALA) Atty. Claudine B. Orocio-Isorena, Deputy Administrator for Technical Regulation Area (TRA) Ms. Evelyn B. Agustin, and Acting Deputy Administrator for Financial Regulation Area (FRA) Mr. Christopher D. Chuegan; together with WawaJVCo. representative Mr. Melvin John M. Tan and MWSS RO consultant Engr. Florencio F. Padernal.

The participants were key officials and officers from the Local Government Units (LGUs) of: San Juan, Quezon City, and Marikina during the September 3 event held in Marikina City; Rizal Province during the September 5 conference in Antipolo City; and Pasig, Taguig, Pateros, Manila, and Makati during the September 9 forum in Pasig City. During these events, the attendees were provided an opportunity to raise their questions and concerns regarding the project, which were effectively addressed by the panelists.

The MWSS RO expresses its gratitude to the aforementioned LGUs for their continuous support in the agency’s initiatives, and for cascading information from the discussions to the localities; and to MWCI for helping make these events possible. The agency hopes that the public continue to be its partners towards clean, safe, and affordable water in the future.

Source: Metropolitan Waterworks & Sewerage System