Manila Water, Maynilad to hike rates next month

MANILA, Philippines – Water concessionaires Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (MWSI) and Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWCI) on Tuesday announced an increase in water rates, to cope with the weakening of the peso against the US dollar. In an interview with QTV's Balitanghali, MWCI acting spokesman Noel Julao said the water firm’s rates will increase by P0.31 per cubic meter, which means for an average household customer consuming at least thirty liters of water every month will have to pay P399.42 from a previous P392.37 as soon as the rate hike takes effect. Julao said the increase will take effect on October 1 and will be reflected on consumers’ bills starting on October 15. For its part, Maynilad said it will likewise hike its rates but did not give any details on the amount of the increase. The official noted that since the peso depreciated to 44.88 to the dollar, a rate increase has become necessary. MWCI also assured that as soon as the peso strengthens, the water firm will roll back its rates. “Bababa ulit yan dahil hindi naman ito napupunta sa kaban ng Manila Water," Julao said. Julao added that Manila Water has advised its consumers of the rate hike by publishing notices on leading broadsheets on Tuesday. Manila Water provides water and sewerage services to over 5.1 million residents of the east zone of Metro Manila. This includes the cities of Makati , Pasig , Mandaluyong, Marikina , San Juan , Taguig, most parts of Quezon City , some parts of Manila , and Pateros municipality. It also covers cities and municipalities in the Rizal province further east of Metro Manila. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV