From 14 to 17 August 2023, the MWSS Regulatory Office hosted an extensive benchmarking visit with Yokohama Water Company, Ltd. (YWC). The YWC delegation included Director Koichi Hasegawa, Engineer Naoki Hosotani, and Engineer Kozo Hayashishita. Through several engagements, the MWSS RO and YWC had the opportunity to share industry-leading practices and explore potential collaborations, particularly focused on enhancing water and wastewater services within Metro Manila.
YWC, a water utility company providing water and sewerage services in Yokohama, Japan, boasts various water supply and sewerage projects globally. They also provide consulting services aimed at addressing water and sewerage-related challenges. They have been known in the industry for their expertise in operations, maintenance, and utility management; capacity building / ability enhancement training programs; and consulting services for master plan / feasibility study and design / construction supervision.
The discussions between the MWSS RO and YWC encompassed several areas of knowledge regarding water and wastewater, with a significant emphasis on Non-Revenue Water (NRW). This included the NRW rate background, progress evaluation in NRW reduction against the 2023-2027 Approved Business Plans and Revised Concession Agreement, initiatives addressing NRW, and distinctions between the two concessionaires: Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water in terms of NRW records, topography, business plans, and countermeasures against NRW.
Additionally, YWC representatives participated in inspecting plant outlet meters in La Mesa Compound, touring North Pumping Stations, visiting Maynilad North Quezon City Business Area and District Metered Areas, and observing Maynilad’s ongoing replacement projects.
Moreover, on 15 August, the MWSS RO and YWC formalized their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU aims to provide support to Maynilad’s efforts in reducing and effectively managing NRW. Maynilad, the MWSS West Zone Concessionaire, targets a total NRW reduction to 29.4% by 2026, followed by a subsequent goal of 20% by 2030.