K-water receives priority status in New Clark City water project in the Philippines
South Korean state-owned corporation Korea Water Resources Corp., known as K-water, has received original proponent status for a water infrastructure project for New Clark City in the Philippines. This gives the consortium of K-water and Philippine company Maynilad Water Services a priority position in negotiations on the project, whose total value may exceed 1 trillion won, or $740 million, The Korea Herald reports.
The certificate was presented to K-water CEO Yun Seok-dae by Joshua Bingcang, president and CEO of the Philippine Bases Conversion and Development Authority. The ceremony took place at the agency's headquarters in Taguig.
Competitive selection still ahead
The status received does not mean an automatic contract award. The proposal must undergo the Swiss Challenge procedure provided for by public-private partnership rules in the Philippines. It allows other participants to submit competing bids, while the K-water and Maynilad Water Services consortium will generally have the right to match the best offer from competitors.
The first phase of the project is estimated at approximately 350 billion won. Under the public-private partnership, the consortium plans to build and operate water intake facilities, water distribution networks and wastewater treatment facilities.
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Infrastructure for a new city
New Clark City is a smart city covering 94.5 square kilometers, being developed about 100 kilometers northwest of Manila. It is designed for approximately 860,000 residents and is intended to help reduce the burden on the capital and promote more balanced regional development.
K-water began a feasibility study in August 2024 and submitted its final proposal in January. The plan includes an underground dam-reservoir, a water treatment plant using artificial intelligence and smart network management technology to reduce water losses. According to K-water, limited water infrastructure and water supply coverage of around 40% in the Philippines make it difficult to ensure a stable water supply.
BCDA will conduct the Swiss Challenge procedure. K-water said it would complete its internal review before seeking a final agreement.
