This document discusses water access issues for poor communities in Manila, Philippines in the 1990s. Water supply was inadequate, providing only 17 hours per day and often contaminated. The urban poor were especially impacted as most lived illegally and lacked connections. In 1997, Manila Water Company took over operations in the east zone through a 25-year concession agreement aimed to resolve the water crisis within a year. The company was obligated to expand coverage, provide 24-hour supply, and serve previously unserved areas, including through partnerships with local governments and community groups.

1. Water for Poor Communities in
the Philippines
Bottom of the pyramid
Markets

2. Background
• In mid 1990s,urban population was growing.
• Water services few hours
• Contaminated water
• Prior to privatization of MWSS(Metropolitan
water works and sewerage System) water
supply services in Metro Manilla was
inadequate.
• Water availability averaged 17hours per day
and quality below national standards.

3. • Urban poor residents, majority settle illegally
on public and private lands excluded from
basic services.
• They where not connected to MWSS
• Got water from public faucets, buy it from
vendors or illegally from MWSS mainlines or
private wells

4. Privatization of MWSS
• Manilla water company Inc took over the
operations of east zone in 1997.
• A Concession Agreement with MWSS of 25 year.
• Aim to resolve water crises in metro manila
within a year
• In terms of service obligations, MWCI(Manilla
Water Company Inc) which won bid for east zone,
was required to expand coverage of water supply,
sewerage and sanitation services and 24 hour
water supply

5. • MWCI was obligated to cover depressed areas.
• Massive pipe replacement
• Serve areas which were previously not served
• 7 division of areas and each supervised by
Area Bussiness Manager
• Currently 95 demant montoring zones and
263 district metering areas

6. Development
• Major portion of market consist of urban poor
residents who buy water from informal
vendors and 10times its price
• Tapping the market and providing water at
reasonable cost
• Supply services to as many as depressed
communities
• Companys “We Care” policy

7. Partnerships, Roles and
Responsibilities
• Partnerships for assistance and cooperation of
local governments units(LGU) and
Community-based Organizations(CBO)
• MWCI responsible for supervision of the
construction and laying of new pipelines to
connect the area, installation of bulk meter,
and sub meter or individual meters
• A regulatory office(MWSS-RO) was established
by Concession agreement