Iloilo City seeking partners to end water crisis

Mayor Jerry Treñas —ILOILO CITY MAYOR’S OFFICE

ILOILO CITY — The local government has engaged water utility companies to explore potential solutions to improve the city’s water supply amid what it calls a “severe water crisis.”

“We cannot claim to be one of the most livable cities in the Philippines if we cannot provide clean, potable water to our residents. Our current water scarcity demands immediate action,” Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said.

Treñas has initiated a series of meetings with key water distributors in the city.

His discussions with Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) and South Balibago Waterworks aim to assess their plans and progress in addressing the water shortage.

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MPIW serves about 26 percent of Iloilo City while South Balibago’s franchise covers the Jaro district.

Treñas expressed the need for new investors if existing utilities could not meet the demand.“If improvements are not sufficient, we will seek new investors to ensure a stable water supply for the city,” Treñas said.

State of calamity

Iloilo City remains under a state of calamity due to water scarcity. Despite the onset of the rainy season, water rationing continues in several villages. Even the City Hall is dependent on rationed water.

Treñas is exploring the possibility of engaging other water providers, including meeting with Manila Water about potential involvement in the city’s water supply network.

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MPIW, for its part, has announced measures to address infrastructure and supply challenges, including a short-term plan of recovering 10 million liters per day of water losses through pipe rehabilitation.

The predevelopment of a 60.5 MLD desalination plant began in January this year and aims to almost double MPIW’s target capacity for Iloilo City when completed in approximately 18 months.

Treñas said the city government was anticipating the completion of the desalination plant but he also stressed the need for immediate interim solutions.

“While we await the desalination plant, we must come up with temporary measures to alleviate the current water scarcity,” he said.