New system to improve MCWD service

CEBU, Philippines - The Metropolitan Cebu Water District will soon be able to respond faster to consumer complaints and will make water distribution in its franchise area more efficient.

MCWD will soon start implementing its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition project after signing an agreement with the consultant from Japan last August 19.

In a statement, MCWD said that the consortium of NJS Consultants Co., Ltd. and Yokohama Water Co. Ltd. will prepare the design and other technical documents and assist the latter in the selection of the contractor for the project.

The consultant will also supervise in the implementation of the project to ensure the quality of the work executed by the contractor. Supervision includes inspection, interpretation, and approval of the design and specifications submitted by the contractor as well as the designation of representative and engineers during the construction phase.

It is also the consultant’s responsibility to assist MCWD to ensure the smooth operation, maintenance and management of facilities with the SCADA system.

MCWD acting general manager Ernie Delco expressed his gratitude to the Japan International Cooperation Agency for granting 1.6 billion Japanese yen or about P679 million at the rate of P.42 a yen.

He said this is the biggest grant given to a water district in the Philippines by a foreign country.

The SCADA system will help MCWD identify the area with low water pressure and act on it promptly. It will also allow MCWD to get real-time data on water pressure and reservoir supply as well as remotely switch on or off pumps and close or open valves.

This will also help MCWD manage its non-revenue water as it can immediately send a team to spot a leak once there is a sudden drop in water pressure.

The system is expected to be operational by the end of 2015 or early 2016.— (FREEMAN)