Maynilad asked to explain water service disruption

A barangay public safety officer checks leaks on pipes and water meters in Philcoa, Quezon City on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) has directed Maynilad Water Services Inc. to explain why it failed to announce water service interruptions within its coverage area ahead of time.

Jennifer Rufo, head of corporate communications of Maynilad, earlier announced there would be daily service interruptions from Aug. 16 to Sept. 2 to ensure enough water in their reservoirs to meet customer needs during peak demand hours.

She said the interruptions, which would affect around 500,000 service connections, would occur only during off-peak hours or at times when most users were asleep.

The MWSS-RO, however, told Maynilad to explain why it failed to notify its customers in advance and the reasons for the water service interruption.

“In line with its directive to utilize all available communication channels in disseminating information on water service interruption schedules (WSIs), the MWSS-RO reminded Maynilad to post notices on social media (specifically on Facebook and Twitter) and traditional media (radio, television and newspapers)—in addition to its text blasts to customers registered in the TextTubig program—at least 48 hours prior to its implementation of planned WSIs,” Patrick Lester Ty, chief regulator of MWSS, said in a statement.

The water concessionaire was also ordered to strictly adhere to its announced WSIs, ramp up its tankering operations, coordinate with affected areas and take other steps to mitigate the adverse effects of the service interruptions.

Maynilad, meanwhile, said that it had taken notice of the regulatory office’s concerns. “We wish to assure them that we will continue to enhance our efforts in keeping our customers informed of service updates so they can better prepare for scheduled service interruptions,” Rufo said.

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