MNWD expands water capacity ahead of Naga HUC status

By Jason B. Neola

ASIDE from mitigating the effects of the Super El Niño phenomenon, the Metro Naga Water District (MNWD) is installing additional pumping stations to accommodate the projected increase in water demand, particularly as Naga City moves closer to attaining highly urbanized city (HUC) status through the November 21 plebiscite.

MNWD General Manager Florencio Tam Mongoso Jr. said the projects form part of the water district’s long-term strategy to prepare for the city’s anticipated growth and the corresponding increase in the number of water concessionaires.

He explained that the initiative stemmed from the MNWD’s assessment of its future water requirements, which began four years ago and took into account projected demand over the next four to 10 years, as well as the possible effects of prolonged dry spells associated with the Super El Niño phenomenon.

Of the 12 additional pumping stations included in the development program, four are already operational.

Mongoso said the four facilities are helping the water district cope with the declining water supply as the dry spell begins to affect its sources, particularly the springs, whose water output has reportedly decreased by 30 percent.

“These four new pumping stations are of great help at this time when the effects of the dry spell are beginning to be felt and water from our springs is starting to decrease. With their installation, we have been able to cushion the impact of the decline in our water sources,” he said.

The MNWD plans to put three more pumping stations into operation before the end of this year, followed by another four next year.

Mongoso said all 12 facilities were originally scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. However, implementation was delayed by the sharp increase in construction material prices and minimum wage rates.

“When we invited bidders last year using the original project budgets based on our earlier cost estimates, nobody dared to participate,” he said.

Following a reassessment of the project costs and the preparation of a revised program of works, the MNWD estimated that the total project cost would increase by 15 to 20 percent.

“We hope contractors will participate in the bidding as we continue the procurement process,” Mongoso said.

The water district is targeting the completion and operation of all 12 pumping stations by the end of the second quarter of 2027.

Mongoso emphasized that the projects are not solely intended to address the anticipated prolonged drought but are also part of the MNWD's long-term strategy to accommodate the projected increase in water demand as Naga City prepares for its possible transition to highly urbanized city status.

The MNWD is also forging a multimillion-peso partnership with the Calabanga Water District (CAWADI) to augment its water sources and strengthen supply for Naga City and other municipalities within its service area.