Maynilad allots P13.6 B for 2016 capex

MANILA, Philippines - Water concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. is spending P13.6 billion to bankroll water and waste-water infrastructure projects this year.

Around P7.5 billion out of the company’s capital outlay for this year would go to water infrastructure projects to ensure sufficient water supply and pressure in the West Zone.

Nearly P4 billion would be invested for operation support programs such as the construction, rehabilitation and upgrade of treatment plants, pumping stations and reservoirs, and the laying of primary pipelines for water service expansion.

Some P2 billion would also be allocated for Maynilad’s Non-Revenue Water (NRW) reduction program, which covers meter management, leak repairs, pipe replacements, and District Metered Area management.

The rest of the budget would be spent for the modernization of data management and information systems, improvement of existing facilities, development of new water sources, and refurbishment of Common Purpose Facilities (CPF) in the Bicte Basins and Ipo Dam.

On the other hand, around P6 billion of Maynilad’s 2016 capital investment would be spent for waste-water management projects.

Some P4.6 billion would be used for the construction of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in central Manila and Cavite, as well as for the improvement of existing STPs in Quezon City and Central Manila.

Another P1.2 billion was allocated for the construction of conveyance systems for the new STPs, and the development of sewerage systems in Quezon City and Valenzuela.

The remaining budget allocation for waste-water management would go to automation of facilities, lot acquisitions, maintenance, and sanitation programs.

Funding for this year’s capital expenditures would come from a combination of bank loans and internationally generated funds. The water company expects to create around 41,243 jobs from its projects this year.

“We start the year right by providing the necessary investments to continue meeting our service obligations and contributing to the job generation efforts of the government,” Maynilad president and chief executive officer Ramoncito Fernandez said.

Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire in the Philippines in terms of customer base. It is the agent and contractor of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area.

It serves the areas of Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, Malabon, and certain portions of Manila, Quezon City, Makati and Cavite.