MPIW launches P336-M pipe replacement project

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) officially commenced the P336-million hydraulic system total pipe replacement project in the Jaro district, marked by a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, August 7, at Jaro Plaza.

The project encompasses a pipeline stretch of 14.97 kilometers from Brgy. Ungka to Jaro Plaza and is expected to significantly enhance the water supply in the city, particularly benefiting the districts of Jaro, Mandurriao, and City Proper.

“This project is part of MPIW’s broader efforts to address water supply challenges and improve service delivery in the metropolis. The new pipes are expected to reduce non-revenue water in the Jaro district from 70 percent to 20 percent, translating to a recoverable volume of 10 to 15 million liters per day (MLD) for customers,” said Angelo David Berba, MPIW’s Chief Operating Officer.

The project features state-of-the-art molecularly oriented polyvinyl chloride (PVC-O) pipes imported from Spain and Malaysia.

Berba emphasized that MPIW is among the first water utilities in the Asia-Pacific region to utilize the extensive 1,000-millimeter diameter pipe.

“It looks like conventional PVC, but its molecular structure is different. So, you will see that it’s thinner and significantly lighter. The advantages of this are that it is cheaper and can expedite our pipe-laying works,” he explained.

Berba reiterated MPIW’s commitment to completing the project on time and with the highest quality standards.

“Our target is six months, but we hope to complete it in four months [this year],” he added.

Aimed at eliminating the crossing of service lines on roads, the project will also decommission old and dilapidated pipelines, supporting the city’s growing population and development.

It will specifically target the removal of double-transmission lines along Lopez Jaena Street in Jaro and decommission the parallel 50-millimeter distribution line.

Additionally, five additional district meter areas will be established for the pipe replacement project.

Berba also assured that their service will not be affected while the project is being carried out.

For this year, MPIW is investing P1 billion, including the acquisition of the largest-diameter PVC-O pipes from Spain.

Looking ahead, the water utility distributor plans to invest P8 billion over its five-year development program (2024-2028) to ensure water security and sustainable services while enhancing operational efficiency.

Of the P8 billion, P4 billion will be allocated for capital expenditures (capex).

In addition to major pipe replacement projects, MPIW is actively sourcing sustainable bulk water providers within Western Visayas and focusing on securing water rights, price considerations, regulatory permits, and delivery timelines.

From 2023 to 2027, MPIW will invest heavily in infrastructure projects, with P1 billion allocated for water service improvements as part of its service enhancement program.

Molecor CEO Walter Pattynama, representing Spanish Ambassador Miguel Utray, praised and congratulated the city for the significant milestone.

The groundbreaking ceremony featured a ceremonial shovel dig and a showcase of the project’s planned benefits, attended by key representatives from the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD), city, and provincial officials.

Established in 2019, MPIW is a joint venture between the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) and Metro Pacific Water (MPW), the wholly owned water infrastructure investment arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).