Wastewater investments 'to be made in Manila'

A water company in Manila has expressed its intentions to invest money in the development of wastewater systems to clean nearby rivers.

According to Manila Water's new chief operating officer and president Rene Almendras, the firm will invest PHP50 billion (£712.8 million) in the region, depending on whether a contract allowing it to cater for Manila's east zone is extended.

Mr Almendras announced the move at the firm's yearly stockholder's meeting and said that between 23 and 29 wastewater treatment bases could be constructed, informs BusinessWorld.

He explained: "We are willing to speed up the construction of those facilities as long as our petition to extend our concession contract with the government is approved."

Last December, the region's resources secretary Lito Atienza announced that a proposed wastewater plant in Manila would come into commission in 2016, reported the Philippine Star.