JICA backs Cebu wastewater system development towards better sanitary environment and more livable society

The Japan International Cooperation (JICA) and Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD), along with representatives from the local government units and line agencies, kicked off the master plan project aimed at improving the sanitary environment in Metro Cebu furthering quality growth in Cebu through comprehensive sewerage system development.

The Project for Master Plan Study on Comprehensive Sewerage System Development seeks to improve the sanitary and water environment in Metro Cebu through utilization of the master plan, effective financing methods for project implementation, ​and developing capacity for wastewater management in eight (8) local government units in Metro Cebu.

Metro Cebu is the second largest economic metropolitan area in the Philippines with an estimated population exceeding 3 million.​ However, the use of septic tanks remains the most common method for wastewater treatment and disposal due to the lack of treatment facilities and a centralized sewerage system. Oftentimes, septic tanks are not properly managed and regulated resulting in poor sanitary conditions and threat to water resources.

This project is also strategically linked with JICA’s Grant Aid Cooperation on the Project for the Septage Management of Metro Cebu Water District. By strengthening of the wastewater management capacity through the Master Plan project including training programs in Japan, it will synergize with the components of the Grant Aid project.

During the kick-off meeting of the Master Plan project, General Manager of MCWD, Edgar Donoso, said, “We are aware of the challenges ahead, including the financial complexities of making this vision a reality. But with the commitment of our partners like JICA, the unwavering support of our local government, the cooperation of LWUA¹, and the dedication of our MCWD team, I am confident we will succeed.”

Senior Representative of JICA Philippines, IDE Soichiro said, “As we continue to strengthen our partnership and push for more infrastructure development to address the SDG target of ensuring availability and sustainability of water and sanitation for all, it is our utmost responsibility to conserve and balance the use of our water resources.”

This is not the first time JICA is supporting sewerage planning in the Philippines. The project Master Plan Study on Comprehensive Wastewater Management in Davao City aims at helping growth centers like Davao address water pollution problems and implement priority projects on wastewater management.

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¹Local Water Utilities Administration