Published
By Madelaine B. Miraflor
Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) said that it is
not the only government agency responsible and accountable for the
worsening state of water in Manila Bay and enjoined others for a “shared
responsibility” in resolving wastewater treatment.
Reynaldo Velasco
In a statement, MWSS Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco said he
believes teamwork and adherence to the concept of shared responsibility
will ensure the restoration of the Manila Bay waters to Class B level
sea water according to the Water Classification Tables mandated under
DENR Administrative Order No. 34.
“The concept of shared responsibility must be put into practice that
will include responsible citizenship in disposing of garbage,” he said,
issuing their side’s opinion ahead of the forthcoming senate inquiry on
waste water treatment and sewerage system in Metro Manila to be led by
Senator Cynthia Villar.
Poor and inefficient solid waste management as well as inadequacy of
proper wastewater facilities had been identified as contributory to the
worsening state of water in Manila Bay.
Earlier, Velasco said the hearing will put to rest allegations that
“there is failure of implementation and enforcement of laws with respect
to the provision of adequate sanitation, drainage and sewer facilities
in Metro Manila”.
Villar would like to find out whether MWSS has been doing its part to
comply with the Writ of Continuing Mandamus that was issued by the
Supreme Court on December 18, 2008. The order directs 13 government
agencies, including MWSS, to clean up, rehabilitate and preserve Manila
Bay in their different capacities.
Under the Writ, MWSS shall submit to the Court the list of areas in
Metro Manila, Rizal and Cavite that do not have the necessary wastewater
treatment facilities.
The concessionaires of the MWSS were also asked to submit their plans
and projects for the construction of wastewater treatment facilities
and their completion period for said facilities, which shall not go
beyond 2037, the end of the concession agreements.
“While MWSS and its concessionaires are constantly working to improve
their services, they are faced with major challenges in their program
implementation,” MWSS said.
“These challenges include availability of lots for wastewater
treatment plants; bureaucratic red tape in permit acquisition;
right-of-way problems that at times include the presence of illegal
settlers; limited construction on streets; and unavailability of updated
drainage master plan,” it added.
The other agencies involved in the Writ are Metro Manila Development
Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department
of Health, Department of Agriculture, Department of Public Works and
Highways, Department of Budget and Management, among others.
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