Manila Water and Mitsubishi Corp in partnership with the Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) has successfully completed its Pilot District Metered Area (DMA) Project and held a turn over ceremony on April 4. The pilot project is part of an agreement signed by Manila Water, Mitsubishi and the YCDC in 2014 to address the needs of the city’s water system.
Led by the Yangon City Mayor, His Excellency Maung Maung Soe, the YCDC Engineering (Water and Sanitation Department) received the completed DMA project report. Non-revenue water in Htan Pin Gone in Insein Township was trimmed to 17.32 per cent in August last year from 52 per cent in March. Similar leak reduction efforts in Block 14-2 at South Okkalapa Township resulted in a decreased level of 12.19 per cent by November 2016 from the initial 57 per cent.
The reduction in water loss means both an increase in the registered customer consumption, as new customer meters have replaced the old and inaccurate meters, as well as less wasted water due to leak repairs and pipe replacements. As a result of an improved water system there was an average improvement of 2psi in water pressure throughout the DMA, improved water availability and access, and improved water quality as well.
Manila Water Asia Pacific president and chief executive, Virgilio Rivera Jr. said, “The pilot program demonstrated that the company had the understanding, expertise and experience to support the YCDC to deliver sustainable water services. He added “We are excited to note that YCDC, under the leadership of (Mayor) Maung Maung Soe, is interested in co-developing a plan under the PPP to address further reductions of non-revenue water on a larger scale and deliver piped potable water supply at reasonable cost to the public.”
