Manila Water Concession Agreement Extension: What You Need to Know

The Manila Water Concession Agreement Extension has been a hot topic in the Philippines since it was announced in November 2019. The extension, which will last until 2037, aims to ensure the continued provision of reliable and safe water supply and wastewater services to the East Zone of Metro Manila. In this article, we’ll discuss the details of the concession agreement extension and what it means for the people of Metro Manila.

What is the Manila Water Concession Agreement?

The Manila Water Concession Agreement is a contract between the Philippine government and Manila Water Company, Inc. that grants the company exclusive rights to provide water supply and wastewater services to the East Zone of Metro Manila. The agreement was signed in 1997 and was set to expire in 2022.

What are the terms of the extension?

Under the extension, Manila Water will continue to operate in the East Zone of Metro Manila until 2037. The company will be required to reduce water losses, improve water quality, increase coverage, and invest in new infrastructure. Manila Water will also continue to pay concession fees to the government, which will be used to fund social programs and infrastructure projects.

What are the benefits of the extension?

The extension of the Manila Water Concession Agreement ensures the continued provision of reliable and safe water supply and wastewater services to the East Zone of Metro Manila. It also provides a stable and predictable regulatory environment for Manila Water to make long-term investments in infrastructure and technology. The extension will also help the government achieve its goal of providing access to water and sanitation for all Filipinos by 2028.

What are the concerns about the extension?

Critics of the Manila Water Concession Agreement Extension argue that it gives too much power to private companies and does not do enough to promote competition and accountability in the water sector. They also criticize the concession fees that Manila Water pays to the government, stating that the fees are too low and do not adequately compensate the government for the use of public resources.

What does the future hold?

The Manila Water Concession Agreement Extension is a significant development in the Philippine water sector and is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of people in the East Zone of Metro Manila. The extension provides a framework for the government and private companies to work together to deliver water services to the people. However, there is still work to be done in terms of promoting competition, accountability, and transparency in the water sector. With the right policies and regulations in place, the water sector can contribute to the achievement of the country’s development goals and the improvement of the quality of life of all Filipinos.