File photo by Nate C. Barretto
By THEPHILBIZNEWS STAFF
Here’s a bit of good news for households in Metro Manila serviced by Maynilad Water Services Inc.
The water concessionaire released a statement today announcing that it will forgo its scheduled rate increases for 2021.
Maynilad said it was deferring the already-approved rebasing adjustment for 2021, as well as the mandated consumer price index (CPI) inflation increase for the year in consideration of the adverse impact of the pandemic on Filipino families.
“During these difficult times when no one is spared the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Maynilad is one with government in finding ways to help our countrymen make the situation more manageable,” read the statement from Maynilad corporate communications head, Jennifer C. Rufo.
The Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP)-led company services the west zone of Metro Manila consisting of Caloocan, Pasay, Navotas, Malabon, Paranaque and select areas in Makati, Manila and Quezon City, as well as Cavite province.
Earlier, Maynilad complied with the government’s directive to afford water consumers grace periods in paying bills, following the lockdowns forced by the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which struck hard on the incomes of families.
The supposed increase of Maynilad’s water rates is allowed every five years by government regulators as the rebasing adjustment is necessary to help the water concessionaire recoup its investments on improving the capital’s dilapidated water system.
The rate adjustment was previously approved for implementation next year, but Maynilad decided on doing its part in easing the burden on its consumers.
“With this deferral, Maynilad hopes to alleviate the day-to-day struggles of its customers as they and the whole country strive to recover from adversity and rise stronger than before, ready to start anew,” its statement read.