(Davao City, May 21, 2024). The Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) XI visited the Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (AAII) Water Treatment Plant Complex on May 21, 2024, as part of the 2nd Quarter 2024 RPMC XI Meeting cum Field Monitoring Activity. The Complex is a component of Part A (1 of 2 parts) of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project implemented by the AAII while Part B consisting of pipelaying, pipeline improvement, pipeline extension and reservoir construction projects for final water service delivery to consumers is implemented by the Davao City Water District. The WTP is the biggest in the country with a capacity of 300-347 MLD servicing around 60 percent of DCWD demand.
The RPMC XI members were composed of representatives from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) – Regional Office XI, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) XI and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) XI together with the Regional Development Council (RDC) XI Private Sector Representatives for Labor, Ms. Daryl R. Alegarbes and for Energy and ICT, RDC XI Vice-Chairperson Mr. Arturo M. Milan. Members of the team were welcomed by representatives of the AAII External Relations team and were given the opportunity to visit the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) room, Hydro-Electric Plant, Water Treatment Plant and the DOH-accredited laboratory within the complex. The facility implements the water-energy nexus generating the required power for the facility’s day to day operations.
Water supply from the bulk water project was distributed to DCWD’s Calinan, Tugbok, Riverside, Dumoy, Cabantian and Panacan water supply systems which experienced low to no water pressure on December 1, 2023.
After the visit, the RPMC XI discussed the effects of the Project to the development outcomes of the water supply sector in Davao City during the 2nd Quarter CY 2024 RPMC XI meeting cum Problem Solving Session at the NEDA – RDC XI Center, Bangkal, Davao City in the afternoon of the same day. It was reported that the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project contributed to an increase in 24/7 water service delivery in Davao City from 70.92 percent of households during the 3rd quarter of 2023 to 94.86 percent during the 4th quarter of CY 2023. The Committee commended the AAII and DCWD for the completion and operation of the project for its contribution to the achievement of development outcomes for the water supply sector in Davao City through 1) utilizing the strategy on adopting alternative water sources and 2) developing infrastructure to expand and improve service coverage.
The 2nd Quarter CY 2024 RPMC XI meeting also discussed the status of drainage projects in Davao Region particularly the Laverna Flood Control project, actions of the Davao City Task Force drainage on the flooding problems in Davao City, and the regular project monitoring, field monitoring and Local Project Monitoring Committee (LPMC) report, specifically for Davao Occidental for the quarter.
A problem solving session was also conducted to the construction of flyover along Davao City Diversion Road (Jct. Magtuod/Maa Section) to resolve issues on right-of-way and construction issues.
Francesca Dianne B. Solis – Sr. EDS, NEDA XI