METROPOLITAN Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco believes the waters of historic Manila Bay can still be restored to its pristine state.
It is just a matter of teamwork and adherence to the concept of shared responsibility, according to Velasco.
The MWSS is one of several government agencies covered by the continuing order by the Supreme Court to restore Manila Bay’s waters.
For the MWSS chief, restoration means making Manila Bay safe for bathing and swimming or passing the standard of Class B level sea water as per the Water Classification Tables mandated under Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order 34.
“For the Manila Bay waters to be rehabilitated, restored and maintained to a level fit for swimming, skin diving and other contact forms of recreation, teamwork from all sectors is necessary,” Velasco told the BusinessMirror via e-mail. “The concept of shared responsibility must be put into practice that will include responsible citizenship in disposing of garbage.”
Velasco issued his statement in the wake of the forthcoming Senate inquiry into the wastewater treatment and sewerage system in Metro Manila by Sen. Cynthia A. Villar. Poor and inefficient solid-waste management, as well as the inadequacy of proper wastewater facilities had been identified as contributory to the worsening state of water in Manila Bay.
While the MWSS and its concessionaires are constantly working to improve their services, Velasco admitted they are also faced with major challenges in implementing the program.
These challenges include the 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.
The work to rehabilitate Manila Bay waters, however, needs more than the construction of wastewater facilities and the collective efforts the government agencies named in the Supreme Court Writ, Velasco said. Cooperation and collaboration from every citizen are needed to solve operational challenges, such as excessive debris and garbage; theft of appurtenances; and the low acceptance rate for desludging services, he added.
To recall, a Writ of Continuing Mandamus was issued by the Supreme Court on December 18, 2008, directing 13 government agencies to clean up, rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay in their different capacities.
Under its mandate, the MWSS is directed to provide, install, operate and maintain the necessary adequate wastewater-treatment facilities in Metro Manila, Rizal and Cavite were needed at the earliest possible time.
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 concession agreements.