The Bayambang Water District (BWD) presented to Mayor Quiambao on September 9 their long-term business plan, including plans for expansion.

The meeting, held in SVV, was led by BWD officials including the manager, Mr. Francis Fernandez, together with legal consultants, representatives from Landbank, and other stakeholders.

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The expansion plan for 2017-2027 has a projected cost of P197.601M. The proposal comprises of physical improvements, laying of pipes, creation of reservoirs, sourcing of wells, land acquisition, purchase of jetmatic pumps, engineering works, etc.

The stated objectives of the project are to increase service coverage, improve water quality to acceptable (i.e., potable) levels, make tap water available 24/7, increase water pressure, increase water affordability, to maintain water loss levels below 20%, and of course, to increase the return on investment.

Under the project, the current minimum charge of P199 is proposed to increase to P275, a rate that was deemed acceptable to the served population, according to BWD’s financial analyst.

Among the hot topics during the meeting were the project’s financial viability, customer complaints, and the opposition of the people of Buenlag, Nalsian, and Mangayao to the creation of new wells in their areas.

With the LGU being courted as the equity holder for this ambitious plan, Mayor CTQ grilled the BWD officials on the issue of environmental impact assessment, the possibility of enacting expropriation laws, the viability of continuous water supply, the possibility of resorting to treatment plants, the problems encountered for the last seven years, and the mitigation work needed.

Mayor CTQ also proposed an agreement regarding right of way to help fast-track the proposed project. Another meeting was scheduled to finalize the plan. (PIO/Media Affairs)