PHL to bid out two PPP water projects worth $960m this month

The Philippines is bidding out two water projects worth $960 million this month under the public private partnership (PPP) initiative, encouraged by the number of companies that showed up during a market-sounding forum of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS).

 

The PPP projects are the $416.1-million New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam and the $542.22-million Bulacan Bulk Water Supply. Both projects will be contracted under the Build Operate Transfer Law or Republic Act 7718.

 

“We hope to bid these out in the coming weeks,” Cosette Canilao, PPP Center executive director said, noting that New Centennial and Bulacan Bulk Water were presented to possible investors during the Water Infrastructure Forum-Invest Water PH. 

 

Over 200 private sector representatives were at the forum.

 

By design New Centennial can hold 600 million liters per day, thus increasing raw water supply and lessening the demand on Angat Dam. This is supposed to strengthen water security in the National Capital Region that includes Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

 

The Bulacan Bulk Water project involves the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities that will mainly supply Bulacan province with treaded bulk water.

 

Canilao noted water security is a priority of the government.

 

But industry players are aware water infrastructure projects need a lot of capital extensive and specific expertise for clients to received service excellence.

 

“It is in this light that PPP is considered as a viable option in undertaking water projects," Canilao said. "Through PPPs, private sector efficiency and technology are maximized to realize high-impact projects directly benefitting the public,” she added.

 

New Centennial and Bulacan Bulk Water are within the domain of the MWSS Water Security Legacy Program, MWSS administrator Gerardo Esquivel said. 

 

Both projects are recipients of the PPP Center Project Development and Monitoring Facility. As such, Bulacan Bulk Water will receive technical support in terms of planning, design and management from UK-based IMC Worldwide Ltd. and consortium partner Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles. 

 

New Centennial will get technical assistance from the consortium of Rebel Group International BV that consists of Puyat Jacinto & Santos (PJS Law) Allen and Overy, Crisil Risk and Infrastructure Solutions Ltd. (India) and Royal Haskoning. – VS, GMA News