Announcement of Help for the Improvement and Expansion of the Water Supply System in Manila on June 28, 1962

~ > ·_.":_<:,i.; • INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION A:ND DEVELOPMENT 1818 H STREET, N.W., WASHINGTON 25, D. C. TELEPHONE: EXECUTIVE 3-6360 UtJ Gz/~ ~- FOR NEWS AGENCIES June 28, 1962 The World Bank has agreed to help pay for a study dire<}ted toward the improvement and expansion of the water supply system in the Manila metro- politan area. To assist with the otudy, the Bank, the Republic of the Philippines and the National Waterworks and Sewerage Authorj_ty of the Philippines (W..iiSA) have jointly engaged the firm of Metcalf & Eddy Limited of Toronto (Canada) and Boston (U.S.A.) as consultantsG Improvements in the Manila water system are urgently needed to en- sure satisfactory water supply to the area's population of 2 • .5 million. The increase in population ( at the rate of 4% per year), in per capita consumption and in industrial demand has increased substantially the water requirements of the area. Sizable investment will be necessary to correct • existing deficiencies and to develop the system to meet future demands • The consultants will make a review of the organization, operation and management of the IYianila and Suburbs Waterworks System, will draw up an interim program for the immediate improvement of water services in the area, and will outline the further studies required for the development of a long-range program to meet water needs. The study is e~rpected to be com- pleted within one year. The World Bank and NT-JSA will share the costs of the study; the Bank •s contribution will be $200.,000 u. s. and P7.5,000. The Philippine Governmc~nt has agreed to guarantee the financial obligations of NWSA., •