Mayor orders MPIW to conduct pipeline work at night

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas has directed Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) to conduct major pipeline construction and rehabilitation works at night, especially along major roads.

The mayor said the move aims to reduce traffic disruptions and minimize public inconvenience, while also criticizing the water firm’s lack of transparency and communication in project implementation.

“A team will help monitor MPIW’s work, and I have instructed them to conduct construction at night whenever possible—especially along major roads—to reduce impact on daily mobility,” Treñas said.

MPIW officials, including Chief Operating Officer David Berba, met with the mayor on Monday, July 21.

MPIW is currently conducting a full pipe replacement project along Lopez Jaena Street in the Jaro district.

The project involves the installation of a 45-linear-meter, 1,000mm PVC-O pipe under the Hydraulic System Jaro Project.

The initiative seeks to reduce non-revenue water or water loss in the district through pavement cutting, breaking, and pipe installation.

Treñas also stressed the urgent need for sustainable solutions to the city’s growing water demand.

“As of now, MPIW supplies only 53.40 million liters per day (MLD) to Iloilo City, which is far below the current demand of more than 140 MLD,” she said.

She added that the city’s water demand increases by around 7% annually due to rapid urban growth.

Treñas urged MPIW to implement immediate solutions, emphasizing that access to clean and reliable water is a basic necessity.

Last week, the mayor also called on MPIW to accelerate infrastructure projects following a meeting with Metro Pacific Water.

This year, MPIW is expanding its service coverage, upgrading aging infrastructure, improving water quality, and reducing non-revenue water.

Ongoing and upcoming projects include the construction of a modular water treatment plant, pipeline upgrades in Jaro, Iloilo City Proper, and Diversion Road, and a desalination facility in La Paz.