Razon's Wawa Dam project to supply water to Metro Manila by 2021

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 19) — A new water source for Metro Manila is seen to add supply in two years following the approval of businessman Enrique Razon's plan to develop Wawa Dam in Rizal.

In a statement, Razon's Prime Metroline Infrastructure Holdings, Inc. announced that its proposed Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project east of the metropolis has clinched final approval from the government. Prime Infra would be forming a joint venture with the San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders Group for the project.

The ₱20-billion deal secured approval from the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System board on November 14. Wawa Dam should be able to start supplying water to Metro Manila and nearby provinces by 2021, when it is seen to add 80 million liters per day (MLD).

By 2025, the dam should be able to add 500 MLD. This is on top of current supply mainly coming from Angat Dam in Bulacan. The reservoir has been declining in recent months due to steadily climbing demand from Metro Manila customers, which led to a series of water interruptions earlier this year.

READ: Manila Water, infra firm to tap Wawa Dam for water supply

Wawa Dam has been included in the government's list of flagship infrastructure projects released last week, despite being a privately-funded joint venture deal.

The ₱56-billion Kanan Dam project has also been added to the flagship list, which should add another 1,800 MLD by 2026. Meanwhile, the China-funded Kaliwa Dam Project in Quezon is projected to add 600 MLD for Luzon once completed in 2024 despite delays in implementation.

Iloilo port project moves

Meanwhile, another Razon proposal to develop ports in Iloilo has moved forward.

The Razon-led International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) said the Philippine Ports Authority accepted its proposal to modernize the Iloilo Commercial Port Complex and the Port of Dumangas. The project put forward by the global port operator will be reviewed for a maximum of 60 days before regulators can name ICTSI as the original proponent.

The proposal would then have to go to the National Economic and Development Authority for evaluation and subjected to a Swiss challenge, where competing firms are given the chance to submit better offers.

ICTSI said it expects to spend some ₱8.7 billion to develop the Iloilo port complex to accommodate bigger international vessels and install cranes for the port yard.