The China-funded Kaliwa Dam project is a cheaper and better deal compared to the weir project proposed by a Japanese company to boost water supply in Metro Manila, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Administrator Reynaldo Velasco declared yesterday.
Velasco said the construction of the Kaliwa Dam would only cost $248 million or P12.2 billion, compared to the Osaka, Japan-based Global Utility Development Corp. Ltd.’s proposed $410-million Kaliwa Intake Weir project.
The Kaliwa dam project in Quezon, or the New Centennial Water Supply Project, is funded by the official development assistance from China. It is expected to provide 600 million liters per day to Metro Manila and nearby areas.
“Tapos na po ang bidding dito eh, may nanalo na. $248 million lang talaga po iyan at P12.2 billion. Hindi po iyan $800 million na sinasabi. So, hindi po totoo iyong sinasabi na masyadong mahal ang ating Kaliwa Dam,” Velasco said.
Apart from reasonable cost, Velasco said the proposed Kaliwa Dam could provide water storage during the rainy season, unlike the weir, a low dam, that cannot store water. He said water reserve in the dam could then be used during the dry season.
“Kaya dam 69 meters – para pag tag-ulan mag-iipon tayo ng tubig, para pag tag-init may tubig tayo na i-distribute,” he said.
The Japanese company recently renewed its proposal to build the Kaliwa Intake Weir project, claiming it was cost-efficient alternative to address Metro Manila’s water situation. (Genalyn Kabiling)
