MWSS vows relocation of IPs to be affected by Kaliwa Dam project

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System on Saturday made assurances that the government will provide a proper relocation site for indigenous people (IP) communities that will be affected by the Kaliwa Dam project.

"Sa pakikipag-ugnayan natin sa lokal na pamahaalan, magpo-provide tayo ng relocation site. Magkakaroon sila ng pabahay," MWSS administrator Emmanuel Salamat said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

Some 400 individuals from 55 barangays will be affected by the P12.2-billion, China-funded project.

"Patuloy pa rin po ang pakikipag-usap natin sa indigenous communities at local government units to address specific needs ng mga community na posibleng maapektuhan ng construction," Salamat added.

Once constructed, the Kaliwa Dam will provide Metro Manila with 600 million liters of water per day from the dam, whose construction may take two to three years.

"China will ensure the design and construction. Sila rin po ang magpo-provide na technical assistant sa dam," Salamat said.

Moreover, Salamat said, 85% of the project will be funded through Chinese loan, while the remaining 15% will be financed by the MWSS.

Last Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte warned courts against issuing temporary restraining orders that would delay the construction of the Wawa and Kaliwa dams.

Duterte said the dams were "the last resort" for Metro Manila to have adequate water supply. —Ted Cordero/LBG, GMA News