MWSS: Construction of roads to Kaliwa Dam resumed by DPWH, not CEEC

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) on Friday said the construction of access roads to the Kaliwa Dam site in Quezon province was resumed by the Department of Public Works and Highways and not project contractor China Energy Engineering Co. (CEEC) Ltd.

This was in response to claims made by Senator Imee Marcos that the road construction had been resumed despite insufficient government permits.

“Slope stabilization had to be resumed by DPWH, not CEEC, the Kaliwa Dam contractor, to prevent landslides characteristic during these rainy months,” the MWSS told GMA News Online.

“Leaving the constructed roadworks without protection may cause damage to life and property and waste of government money,” it added.

Marcos also said police escorts were guiding the Chinese works of CEEC while constructing the roads. She cited information from indigenous peoples’ community leader Marcelino Tena from Quezon.

However, the MWSS said police authorities provided security and protection to the workers due to threats of terrorist attacks. It also said it did not recognize Tena as the leader representing the indigenous people.

The MWSS also denied it went against its earlier commitment during a hearing last February through its actions as claimed by Marcos, saying that many developments had transpired in securing the Free Prior and Informed Consent.

"The recognized indigenous community organizations have agreed to talk [or] negotiate with MWSS, and they have no objection to the construction of the access road. Slope stabilization of the access road is a necessary action in the interest of the peoples and communities nearby,” it said.

GMA News Online has contacted DPWH Secretary Mark Villar and Build, Build, Build Committee Chairperson Anna Mae Lamentillo for comment but has yet to receive a reply as of posting time.

The Kaliwa Dam project, a venture traversing the provinces of Rizal and Quezon, is expected to help meet the growing water demand in the National Capital Region and Southern Luzon. —Joahna Lei Casilao and Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News