MANILA, Philippines—The Maynilad Water Services (Maynilad) water concessionaire has urged the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa), which operates the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), to connect the facility to its water distribution line for the sake of safety and the country’s image.

Maynilad was particularly concerned about the almost-three-decades-old Naia 1, which sources its water from deep wells.

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Passengers and employees have complained about the irregular water supply at the Terminal 1’s restrooms which was reportedly caused by leaking pipes, about six to eight feet underneath the main arrival area.

Maynilad said it would soon be submitting a proposal to the Naia.

Bad for image

Ricky Vargas, Maynilad’s president and chief executive officer, said in a statement he was “hopeful” that the connection can be effected immediately in the interest of the country’s image and public safety.

“The state of our airports is a reflection on how progressive we are as a country. No amount of marketing and advertising can improve our image if we cannot even provide tourists basic amenities such as running water and clean restrooms,” he said.

Vargas also pointed to the risks of using deep-well water.

“Water from most deep wells is not well treated or regularly monitored, unlike ours. The water we supply passes through a stringent treatment process and the Department of Health regularly checks the potability of our supply,” he said.

Maynilad and Miaa officials recently met to discuss how the water concessionaire can help with the water supply problem at the terminal.

The meeting was set up after Maynilad chair Manny Pangilinan learned about the airport’s water problems when he arrived last Saturday from Hong Kong. The tycoon noticed the “diggings” at the terminal and was apparently told of the airport’s waterless restrooms.

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After learning that the airport sourced its water from deep wells, Pangilinan offered the assistance of the concessionaire.

Maynilad is the authorized water service provider for Pasay and Parañaque where the country’s main airports are located. The company is owned and managed by Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

At the meeting, Maynilad also offered its technical expertise and leak detection equipment to accurately identify the leaky pipes at the airport.

The Miaa management earlier assured the traveling public that it is doing everything to address the problem and that the terminal’s old facilities are now being refurbished.

Terminal 1 has been a frequent target of criticism from travelers, citing its congestion, its rundown and filthy state and toilets that don’t work.

It was actually voted one of the world’s 10 worst airports and the worst in Asia for 2010 by an interactive website.

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