Maynilad, K-Water bag OPS for P14.8 billion Clark contract

MANILA, Philippines — The consortium of Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-Water) have secured the original proponent status (OPS) for the proposed P14.8-billion long-term water supply and wastewater management project in New Clark City in Tarlac.

In a statement yesterday, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said that it granted the OPS to the consortium on Aug. 28, for its unsolicited proposal to provide water and wastewater services in New Clark City.

The OPS was granted following negotiations between the BCDA and the consortium.

With the OPS, the consortium of Maynilad and K-Water will have the right to match offers of other private sector proponents under the Swiss challenge for the project.

The BCDA said that the contract for the project is targeted to be awarded by December this year, subject to the Public-Private Partnership process and completion of required approvals.

The project’s public utility component will be operated by a duly qualified entity.

It will involve providing water services, while ensuring proper wastewater treatment in accordance with applicable environmental and wastewater treatment standards.

BCDA president and CEO Joshua Bingcang said that reliable water and wastewater infrastructure is needed to support the development of New Clark City.

“Growth requires infrastructure that can keep up with it. Water and wastewater are fundamental to that growth; and we want New Clark City to have a system that is reliable, sustainable and built to meet the needs of the metropolis for the long term,” he said.

A more integrated water and wastewater system will also help support industries that require dependable utility services, including advanced manufacturing, data centers and other high-value economic activities.

BCDA is developing New Clark City’s utility backbone as it aims to position the area as a sustainable and future-ready urban center and attract investments.

“We are building New Clark City for the decades ahead. That means putting in place the basic systems that will allow businesses to invest, communities to grow and the city to manage its resources responsibly,” Bingcang said.