Maynilad unveils P178-billion wastewater program

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) is set to spend around P178 billion from 2023 to 2046 for its wastewater management program which aims to expand sewer coverage and manage pollution loading into bodies of water, according to a report by Philippine News Agency.

The spending plan will include the construction of 18 new sewage treatment plants (STPs) in different areas, the installation of about 360 kilometers of new sewer lines that will catch and convey used water from households to STPs and the upgrade of 17 existing wastewater facilities to meet the revised effluent standards of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“Besides improving the distribution of drinking water supply, our investment program also includes the laying of essential infrastructure to collect and treat the wastewater generated by households so we can ensure environmental sustainability,” Maynilad chief operating officer Randolph Estrellado said in a statement on Wednesday.

The water firm is currently constructing new STPs and laying sewer conveyance systems in the cities of Valenzuela, Caloocan, Las Pinas, and Tunasan and Cupang in Muntinlupa.

Once operational, the new facilities combined will have the capacity to treat 419 million liters of wastewater per day (MLD), serving around 1.75 million residents.

The firm’s long-term plan also includes the construction of a 140-MLD-capacity STP and installation of sewer lines in Manila.

Since 2007, Maynilad has already spent PHP41.2 billion for its wastewater management projects alone, enabling it to add 20 STPs to the existing two, as well as expand sanitation service with the construction of new septage treatment plants and purchase of new vacuum trucks for septic tank desludging activities.