(PNA photo by Gil Calinga)
MANILA – The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) on Monday ordered Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) to explain its recent issuance of water service interruption (WSI) to its West Zone concessionaires.
Patrick Lester Ty, MWSS-RO chief regulator, said Maynilad failed to "properly and effectively notify all affected customers in advance” of its schedules.
Ty particularly pointed out the recently announced WSI by Maynilad from August 14 to September 1.
"The MWSS-RO reminded Maynilad to post notices on social media (specifically on Facebook and Twitter) and traditional media (radio, television, and newspapers), in addition to its text blasts to customers registered in the TxTubig program, at least 48 hours prior to its implementation of planned WSIs," MWSS-RO said in a statement.
Customers can text their account details and receive advisories via "TxTubig".
Maynilad was told to strictly adhere to its announced WSI schedules; ramp up its tankering operations and coordination with the affected villages; and implement other measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the WSI.
He also directed the West Zone to submit a concrete plan of action and implement viable solutions to address the persisting water supply and quality issues and to fast-track the resumption of normal services to its customers.
The West concessionaires include Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Muntinlupa; parts of Quezon City, Manila, and Makati; and Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Rosario, Noveleta, and Cavite City in Cavite province.
In June, water concessionaires in Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Parañaque, and portions of Cavite, experienced prolonged and recurring interruption, and complained about the quality of water.
Under its concession agreement, Maynilad is required to provide an uninterrupted 24-hour supply to all of its concessionaires and make sure that the water quality is in line with National Drinking Water Standards.
In December 2021, former president Rodrigo Duterte signed laws granting 25-year franchises to Maynilad and Manila Water Company, Inc.
Manila Water operates in the east zone of Metro Manila and Rizal province.
Ty urged customers to report deviations from the announced WSI schedules and to escalate inquiries or concerns that have not been satisfactorily addressed or resolved by Maynilad to the MWSS-RO Customer Service Regulation Area via email address [email protected] for investigation and appropriate action.
"Any sustained failure of the concessionaires to meet their contractual obligations may affect the ongoing rate rebasing and/or may be ground for the imposition of financial penalties," he warned. (PNA)
