World Bank, LWUA to help boost MIWD supply capacity in Iloilo
The World Bank and the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) have extended support to the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) here in seeking options to help improve its water supply capacity.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said the World Bank through his intervention has given MIWD US$300,000 worth of technical assistance to improve water supply.
The mayor said the money will be used to conduct a feasibility study on how to improve the water supply which hopefully will start middle of this year.
Treñas during the World Bank Forum in Manila on Monday took up the city’s concern on the lack of water before Country Director Bert Hoffman who in turn directed Rey Ancheta, in-charge of the project, to have it fast tracked.
The mayor also said that LWUA administrator Prospero Pichay is also coordinating with his office and signified their intention to help.
Initially, LWUA is looking into tapping the Jalaur River as one alternative source of water supply.
“These are long term plans,” Treñas said.
Meanwhile, the Manila Water through Rocky Garcia has approached Treñas on Monday and asked him for any possible support they can give to the MIWD.
The city is now suffering from water shortage after the MIWD's sedimentation basin suffered some problems.
The water utility provider is looking forward to complete the installation of a by-pass connection from the water intake in Brgy. Daja, Maasin to its treatment plant in Brgy. Talanghauan, Sta. Barbara probably Thursday.
Water supply has dropped by almost 50 percent from the usual 1.2 million cubic meter per month starting November after its basins were covered with silt as a result of the flooding caused by Typhoon Frank.
MIWD supplies water to Iloilo City and six other nearby municipalities. (PNA)