Illustrative photo (VNA) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a 123 million USD loan for the Philippines to construct a new water tunnel connecting Angat Dam in Bulacan province to Metro Manila’s water supply.
The funding for the new six-kilometre tunnel would reduce the risk of water shortages as demand for water rises in tandem with the capital city’s booming population, the bank said on March 21.
“The Angat transmission system provides more than 95 percent of Manila’s water but its existing tunnels are up to 75 years old and in poor condition, leaving the metropolitan area highly vulnerable to serious supply disruptions,” said Paul van Klaveren, Senior Urban Development Specialist with ADB’s Southeast Asia Department.
“This assistance will allow the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to build a fourth tunnel, clearing the way for it to upgrade and modernise its other existing tunnels and aqueducts to maximise and strengthen supplies,” he added.
According to ADB, ensuring security of water supplies is crucial for Manila’s economic development and the health of its citizens. In addition to the funding, the bank will provide capacity building support to improve the skills of MWSS staff.
Since 1974, ADB has offered financial support to ten water projects in Manila, including three for the Angat supply system.-VNA
