‘Build-build-build’ program hikes demand for water infra

CEBU, Philippines — Demand for water desalination facilities has significantly increased after local government units have been goaded by the administration to improve even the most basic infrastructure in their respective locality.

Cebu-based bulk water provider Mactan Rock Industries Inc., (MRII) reported an increase in water desalination installations in different parts of the country, especially in islands and localities wherein water scarcity is still one of the major problems.

In an interview with MRII chairman Antonio Tompar, he said that because of the Duterte government's thrust in putting money on infrastructure via the "build-build-build" campaign, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) like financial institutions are now opening their financial facilities to LGUs to help fund projects that will improve basic services, such as water supply.

Tompar said due to uncertain cycle of weather pattern these days, installation of desalination technology comes the most appropriate and cheaper solutions for water supply problems.

Small islands like Palawan, Tawi-Tawi, are among the areas now building desalination water supply system in their localities.

Desalination refers to the removal of salts and minerals from target substance, Saltwater for instance is desalinated to produce water suitable for human consumption or irrigation.

For this year, MRII is working with 30 awarded projects for desalination water system in different parts of the country, including projects in partnership with MCWD for additional bulk water supply for Talisay and Mactan.

Most of MRII projects around the country are joint ventures with LGUs.

On the other hand, localities near the shorelines are spending on seawater desalination facilities. But for municipalities and cities that are far from seawater, surface water utilization desalination process is being applied.

Tompar said the present government's priority program, which is to push infrastructure build-up, prompted these LGUs, especially those in the far-flung areas to prioritize the fixing of ample water supply to their constituents.

Aside from LGUs, Tompar added that desalination system is also being used by industries right now, such as those in the Mactan Economic Zones, resorts and other manufacturing plants around the country.

Besides, the cost of desalinated water today is already competitive with the traditional sources, because technology innovation.

Tompar sees that the demand for desalinated water around the country will double, if not triple in demand as more economic zones will be built, and more islands will be developed for tourism.

"Desalination is the future of water supply around the world and we are already at par at this onset," he added.