Water Shortage Hits Manila Hard

Thousands of people in Manila have been hit hard by the water shortage. Ayala Corp., which owns the Manila Water Co. Inc., has accepted blame for the crisis and has appealed for everyone's patience. In a statement, the Zobel de Ayalas said their teams at Manila Water are working hard and overtime to remedy the situation.

"A multitude of factors resulted in this lack of supply and we take responsibility for our own shortcomings in the company. We recognize and understand the difficulties that all our customers are going through."

Philippines capital city is experiencing its worst water shortage in years at the onset of summer, affecting homes of about 12 million people. The government has admitted that it has long anticipated the problem of increasing demand for water but it failed to address it due to delays in projects that would expand capacity.

Meanwhile, Manila Water announced that customers in the East Zone concession area will not have to pay the minimum or basic charge for March due to service interruptions. And those living in severely-affected areas will have the whole March waived.