THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is preparing to award the P14.8-billion New Clark City water and wastewater project to the consortium of Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-Water) after no competing proposal was submitted during the Swiss challenge.
BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said Tuesday the agency intends to proceed with the award as soon as possible, subject to the completion of the required procedures.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines event in Makati, Bingcang said several companies attended the project’s pre-bid activities but none submitted a competing offer.
He declined to identify the interested firms.
Bingcang said BCDA was looking to proceed with the award even before the expiration of the 90-day challenge period.
The absence of a competing bid puts the Maynilad-K-Water consortium, which earlier secured original proponent status, in a position to proceed with the project once the remaining requirements are satisfied.
The project, initially proposed by K-Water in February, involves the development of bulk water supply and wastewater treatment infrastructure to serve New Clark City in Tarlac.
The proposed system is expected to have a capacity of 150 million to 200 million liters per day, with surplus water potentially available for other areas.
The joint venture will have an initial term of 25 years, with an option to extend for another 25 years.
Aerospace investments eyed
Meanwhile, Bingcang disclosed that a European maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) company is considering establishing a facility at Clark International Airport.
The proposed development would occupy approximately 40 hectares beside the Federal Express Corp. (FedEx) facility.
BCDA has not identified the prospective investor, pending authorization from the company.
Bingcang said the estimated $40-million investment would cover construction of the facility, while the prospective operator would provide the necessary equipment and other installations.
BCDA would construct the hangar according to the company’s specifications, while a local partner would participate in developing and operating the facility.
Bingcang said he discussed possible partnership and financing arrangements during a recent visit to Paris, although no agreement had been signed.
Separately, an American aerospace manufacturer is also considering setting up production operations in Clark.
Bingcang did not identify the company or disclose its proposed investment, employment targets or implementation timetable.
He said discussions were continuing, with the project also subject to relevant US government approvals.