MCWD open to private water suppliers to stabilize supply

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) said it is open to welcoming Aboitiz InfraCapital Water Inc. as a potential bulk water supplier, as Cebu's largest utility accelerates efforts to stabilize supply and curb mounting system losses that have been weighing on its finances.

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MCWD chairman Ruben D. Almendras, said interest from large infrastructure groups such as Aboitiz InfraCapital Water reflects the growing urgency to expand Cebu's water sources as demand continues to outpace the district's own production capacity.

"Major groups are now looking at Cebu because the need is real," Almendras said. "We are open to private sector participation, provided the projects are commercially viable and supported by the necessary transmission infrastructure."

Aboitiz InfraCapital Water, the water and wastewater arm of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., has been expanding its footprint nationwide as part of the conglomerate's infrastructure push. The company has been assessing opportunities in key growth centers, including Cebu, where industrial estates, tourism hubs and residential developments continue to drive water consumption.