Wawa bulk water supply project faces further delay

MANILA, Philippines — The Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project, a new water source development at no cost to the government, continues to wait for the final approval of the project by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS).

The project, which is projected to deliver 80 million liters per day (MLD) in 2021 and over 500 MLD in 2025 to address the ongoing water crisis in Metro Manila, was proposed by WawaJVCo, a joint venture between Enrique Razon’s Prime Infra and businessman Oscar Violago’s San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders Group.

More than seven months ago, Manila Water Co. (MWC) entered into a memorandum of understanding with Prime Infra for the development of the water project.

After a series of technical workshops and review by MWSS and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel, the offtake agreement was signed by MWSS, MWC and WawaJVCO on Aug. 6.

The WawaJVco, however, noted that MWSS continues to sit on the remaining approvals to finally move the project forward.

“Curiously the government seems to be desperate for new water sources, yet MWSS continues to drag its feet,” Razon said.

“ We are hopeful that the final steps will be taken in the coming days to finally deliver a project of critical importance to the residents of Metro Manila.”