Councilor blasts slow progress of water projects

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City Councilor Romel Duron voiced frustration over what he called the slow pace of Metro Pacific Iloilo Water’s (MPIW) infrastructure projects to deliver a full, round-the-clock water supply for the city.

“As far as I’m concerned, personally, the progress is too slow. They are doing something, but not to the expectation that we are satisfied,” Duron said after a committee hearing last week on MPIW’s project updates.

The hearing was led by the Committee on Energy and Public Utilities, which Duron chairs.

MPIW reported that its current service coverage in the city is at 31%. The firm is targeting 50% coverage by 2027 and 90% to 100% by 2029.

“With all their promises, hopefully they can reach their targets,” Duron said, noting delays in pipelaying works and persistent hold-ups in securing permits.

“Let’s just hope they’ll do it. That’s why we’re calling them from time to time to know if they can reach their target,” he added.

Duron also criticized MPIW’s reliance on tanker deliveries, saying the shortage is affecting both households and commercial establishments.

He noted that while MPIW’s basic rate is PHP 20 per cubic meter, commercial establishments are forced to purchase water via tankers — often from MPIW itself — at higher costs to sustain operations.

“Since there is no source, it is natural for people to buy even though it is expensive, especially in hotels and commercial establishments,” he said.

To help address the supply gap, Duron urged MPIW to explore additional water sources beyond its planned desalination plant, including tapping surface water through impounding areas to harness rainwater.

He also suggested that MPIW sign a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Public Works and Highways to utilize flood control projects as a possible water source.