MANILA, Philippines ? Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo on Friday ordered all mayors of Metro Manila and Cavite province to allow the emergency repairs of pipes even without permits to address the water shortage.

In a directive to all local executives, Robredo said that concessionaires like Maynilad and the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage Systems should be allowed to undertake
?aggressive leak repairs.?

However, Robredo said administrative requirements and payments for such permits should be complied within a reasonable period from the start of repair works.

Robredo?s order came as water levels remained low despite rains in the region.

He said many towns and villages in Metro Manila and Cavite were still experiencing low to zero supply of water.

?Let us help MWSS and Maynilad in their leak repair drive,? Robredo said, adding that, ?This is the time for us to work together to help
avert a possible water crisis.?

In the same directive, Robredo also urged local executives to enact local rules or regulations to curb illegal water connections
and encourage the prudent use of water resources.