DENR to build three more solar-powered sewage treatment plants

THREE ADDITIONAL solar-powered sewage treatment plants will be built along major river systems in Metro Manila as part of the government’s efforts to rehabilitate Manila Bay, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.

Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu said treatment plants will be installed at the Libertad outfall on the Parañaque River, the Tullahan-Tinajeros River in northern Metro Manila, and the Las Piñas-Zapote River.

“The sewage treatment plant is a big step forward to making Manila Bay safe again for swimming, bathing, boating, fishing and other forms of contact recreation,” Mr. Cimatu said.

The DENR and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority inaugurated the first solar-powered sewage treatment plant in Manila Bay on July 30. It is capable of treating 500,000 liters of wastewater daily.

Mr. Cimatu said the treatment plant will ensure no untreated wastewater from the drainage outfalls of Padre Faura, Remedios, and Estero de San Antonio Abad reach Manila Bay.

“The treated water will be used for watering plants along Roxas Boulevard, maintenance of two solar-powered comfort rooms to be constructed at the bay walk area, and fire trucks of the cities of Manila and Pasay,” Mr. Cimatu said.

Meanwhile, untreated water from the plant will be recycled and placed in an underground tank capable of storing 2 million liters of wastewater.

In 2019, the DENR started its Manila Bay rehabilitation project, with Mr. Cimatu designated chairman of the Manila Bay Task Force.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has allocated P43 billion for the Manila Bay rehabilitation project over a three-year timetable. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave