No water crisis in 2025, says MWSS-RO

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) on Thursday said Manila Water and Maynilad customers will not experience a water crisis in the coming year amid the billions of pesos of capital spent by both concessionaires to ensure a reliable and improved water and wastewater services in their franchise areas.

Following the approval of higher water rates, the MWSS-RO said that Manila Water and Maynilad have given an assurance that there will be no water crisis next year. pic.twitter.com/X7KFQI93I0

— Ted Cordero (@Ted_Cordero) December 12, 2024

“We can guarantee that for 2025, there will be no water crisis,” MWSS-RO Chief Regulator Patrick Tyrone said at a press conference in Quezon City.

“Pangako po natin, ng dalawang concessionaires, wala pong water crisis nitong 2025,” Ty added.

The MWSS-RO gave the assurance after it approved higher water rates for both Manila Water and Maynilad, which would take effect beginning January 2025.

Ty explained that the higher tariff rates that the regulatory body green-lit for the concessionaires were due to Manila Water and Maynilad's “massive” investments in 2023-2024.

During the two-year capital expenditure period, Manila Water spent P32.668 billion for its service continuity, service accessibility, water security, and environmental sustainability projects.

Maynilad, meanwhile, invested P47.591 billion in its water sources programs, operations support programs, sewerage, programs, expansion services, and sanitation programs, among others during the capex period.

“‘Pag magkakaroon ng water interruption, it will be very limited and very isolated,” Ty said. —LDF, GMA Integrated News