In a landmark collaboration following a competitive bidding process, SUEZ and Maynilad, the Philippines' largest private water concessionaire, are joining forces to spearhead a transformative wastewater treatment project. This venture, under the auspices of the Philippine Government, aims to dramatically reduce water pollution in Manila Bay. This project will be instrumental in protecting the environment and enhancing the quality of life of residents.
Manila Bay is an important body of water, at the centre of economic activity in the country. However, years of untreated sewage discharge and accumulation in the bay have rendered it one of the country's most polluted water bodies. SUEZ will establish the Central Manila Sewerage System (CMSS) Water Reclamation Facility to fast-track Manila Bay's rehabilitation, showcasing an ambitious commitment to environmental restoration.
Located in the port area of Manila, the 180 million litres per day treatment facility will ensure that the treated wastewater will comply with Philippines' Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) effluent regulations, comparable to European Union standards. The rehabilitation will also positively impact Laguna Lake which is connected by the Pasig River and a key source of drinking water for millions in the region.
The project will leverage SUEZ's proven and innovative pioneering technologies, Cyclor Turbo, in the treatment process. These compact, robust, and resilient technologies will support the integrity and quality of the facilities within a limited space to save land while also reducing the overall environmental footprint through low power consumption.
3D design of Central Manila Sewerage System project that will leverage SUEZ's pioneering technologies. (PRNewsfoto/SUEZ Group)
In addition, SUEZ will undertake the rehabilitation of the decades-old Tondo Sewage Pumping Plant, and a conveyance system will be constructed as part of the CMSS to convey raw wastewater from customers to the treatment facility. Launched in January 2024 and set to commission in 2027, the CMSS project aims to enhance the lives of around 1 million people across a sprawling 2,820-hectare area.
Ramoncito Fernandez, President and CEO of Maynilad, said, "The Central Manila Sewerage System is one of the major projects that Maynilad is pursuing in line with its commitment to help rehabilitate and protect the Manila Bay. Through this monumental undertaking, we aim to enhance quality of life by ensuring cleaner waterways and healthier communities.".
Sabrina Soussan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SUEZ, said, "This contract is an important milestone for SUEZ. The future Central Manila Sewerage System project demonstrates our expertise in preserving water resources through innovative and resilient technologies. I am grateful to Maynilad for entrusting us with this mission to enable them to drive the ecological transformation.".
With a legacy in the Philippines since 1978 and a 70-year history in Southeast Asia, SUEZ has long been a frontrunner in driving environmental innovation and stewardship. The company's footprint extends across Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore. At the same time, SUEZ has consistently deepened its local expertise in environmental services, striving for excellence in the sector and promoting the growth of the circular economy.
