On 20 June 2014, bidding opened for the Philippines’ US$542 million Bulacan Bulk Water Supply (BBWS) project. It will deliver potable water to cities in Bulacan province north of Manila with a build out capacity 1.5 million m3/d in 2030. Final bids from approved bidders are expected in January 2015, ground breaking anticipated in Q4 2015, commissioning in Q4 2016.
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) in Manila and the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines (PPPCP) will implement BBWS through a 30-year BOT concession agreement. The concessionaire is responsible for financing, constructing, and operating the raw water conveyance networks, water treatment facilities, treated water storage, and pumping stations.
The BBWS project is part of a US$1 billion water infrastructure plan by MWSS to improve the water supply and resilience for the metropolitan Manila region. Aside from the BBWS, other upcoming projects include the US$415 million New Centennial Water Supply Source (NCWSS) PPP, and the US$134 million Angat Water Transmission Improvement (AWTI) projects.
Bluefield Takeaways
- Manila Water vying for BBWS to diversify portfolio beyond Manila
- For Maynilad, BBWS also offers opportunity to decrease Manila reliance
- Korean, Spanish players seek beachhead in Philippines among foreign players
