Maynilad to increase service coverage to 84 percent by 2011

MANILA, Philippines - Maynilad Water Services Inc. plans to connect 140,000 additional households to increase service coverage to 84 percent by 2011 from 70 percent currently. In a statement, Maynilad said more than half a million households of its customers are now enjoying stronger water supply at pressures from seven to 20 pounds per square inch (psi). At a pressure of seven psi, water can reach a height of up to five meters without the aid of a booster pump. Water pressure also improved in areas farthest from the Angat Dam water supply source, like in Parañaque where pressure increased by as much as three to five psi. Since the consortium of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and DMCI Holdings Inc. took over Maynilad in January 2007, the improved pressure throughout the west zone are mostly felt in Commonwealth, Quirino and Roosevelt in Quezon City; Valenzuela, Malabon, Navotas, North Caloocan, South Manila, and portions of Pasay, Parañaque and Cavite. Before their takeover, only 45 percent of the water concessionaire’s customer base received water supply at seven psi. -GMANews.TV