THE METRO Iloilo Water District (MIWD) recently activated partially its newly installed distribution lines within the city proper and commercial district as part of its service efficiency and modernization project worth P42.7 million which is also due for completion before the year ends.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Trenas and Administrator and Acting Board Chairman Lorenzo H. Jamora of the Local Water Utilities Administration led guests during the ceremonial activation of the new pipelines along Delgado, Jalandoni and General Luna Streets. Trenas and Jamora assured the MIWD and the residents of Iloilo City of their continuing effort to ensure 24-hour availability of safe and potable water.

Atty. Eduardo N. Aguillon, MIWD board chairman; and Engr. Edwin R. Reyes, interim general manager, announced that the Iloilo City proper rehabilitation sub-project involves the installation of 26.5 kilometers of transmission and distribution lines as replacement of existing dilapidated pipes that actually resulted in lost revenues for the water district.

Engr. Reyes disclosed that as soon as the installation of new pipelines within the city proper is completed, all existing water service connections will be transferred to the new distribution lines. The city proper sub-project is being supervised by MIWD water supply rehabilitation Project Manager Jerry Guillergan.

Meanwhile, Reyes also announced that the new P19.5 million Mandurriao water supply system is also set for activation and inauguration tomorrow, October 19, with Administrator Jamora as principal guest. The commissioning of the Mandurriao sub-project will bring to a total of a little over 24,000 concessionaires served.

Jamora himself has commended Engr. Reyes, the MIWD Board of Directors and the official and employees for the significant increase to 24,000 concessionaires served to the previous figure of only 21,000 more than a year ago. "We expect the MIWD to further expand its service capability with the monthly average of 300 to 400 applicants for new service connections," he added.

In another development, Reyes also announced that for the convenience of MIWD concessionaires the water district has entered into a service agreement with Shoemart for them to be able to pay their bills over the counter at all SM outlets. He said that water bill payments are now accepted at the customer service of Shoemart Delgado, SM Supermarket-Jaro Plaza and Jaro Town Square and SM Iloilo City (Mandurriao).

Aside from Shoemart, MIWD consumers may also pay their bills in 16 banks within the city and the rural banks in the towns of Maasin, Cabatuan, Sta. Barbara, Avia, San Miguel, Oton and Leganis which are also part of the water district's concession areas.
c October 19 , 2006