MCWD receives P509M JICA aid

CEBU, Philippines - The Metropolitan Cebu Water District has received a Y1.165 billion (P509.21 million) “development” assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Specifically, the amount is for MCWD’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition  system for the company to have real-time monitoring of water distribution, as part of JICA’s support to the Mega Cebu Vision 2050, an urban development blueprint that envisions a progressive and livable environment for Cebu 36 years from now.

JICA is extending the assistance to upgrade water infrastructure in Cebu in a move to boost investments in the country.

Foreign investors like Japan have identified infrastructure, including water supply and management, as critical in encouraging investments in the Philippines.

“By developing the water infrastructure in Cebu, JICA hopes to help the Philippines attract more investments and create jobs in Cebu and the nearby growth areas,” said JICA-Philippines senior representative Takahiro Morita.

The assistance would help sustain a 24-hour water supply service and improve water pressure in MCWD’s service areas.

The aid agency will also assist MCWD address its non-revenue water losses, which was at 27.6 percent as of 2012.

Earlier, JICA also facilitated a technical cooperation between MCWD and Yokohama Water Co. Ltd. in Yokohama City that introduced Japanese technology and know-how, including leak detections, in MCWD’s operations.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, JICA likewise assisted typhoon-hit areas in northern Cebu by providing a mobile water-purifying equipment that benefitted some 1,400 residents of Daanbantayan town.

 JICA is an agency of the Government of Japan responsible in implementing technical cooperation, grant aid and yen loan programs of the Japan’s Official Development Assistance to developing countries such as the Philippines.

With about $10.3 billion in financial resources and a network of more than 100 overseas offices around the world, JICA is the world’s largest bilateral aid agency.  (FREEMAN)