Water shortage is government's 'fault' —MWSS exec

The chief regulator of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) on Thursday said it is the government's "fault" that parts of Metro Manila and Rizal province are now experiencing water shortage.

In a television interview, Patrick Ty said they have yet to build the two dams, Kaliwa and Liaban, which are seen to address the growing demand for water of Metro Manila residents due to opposition from various groups.

"The Kaliwa Dam, Laiban Dam, have been proposed during Marcos time. Due to a lot of oppositions and accommodations for the IPs (indigenous people), for the informal settlers, from leftist group, church group, this project keeps on getting moved," he told ANC.

Ty said the government's fault is that it fails to build these alternative water sources  even amid the "exponential" increase in Metro Manila's population especially in the east zone, which is being serviced by Manila Water.

"It's our fault, yes. It's everyone fault. Now we cannot rely on Angat Dam," Ty said, referring to the dam that is the primary source of water in Metro Manila.

The Laiban Dam and the smaller Kaliwa Dam in Quezon were intended to improve water supply in Metro Manila.

Ty said they tried to rush the Kaliwa Dam project during the time of President Benigno Aquino III but it did not push through due to oppositions.

Ty claimed the Kaliwa Dam project can address Metro Manila's water needs for the next 20 years. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News