The delegation, led by Saurabh Singh, Deputy Secretary of India’s Department of Economic Affairs, visited Maynilad to learn about its non-revenue water (NRW) management and leak detection practices.
Representatives from ADB’s India Resident Mission and headquarters joined the visit, which included technical sessions and field demonstrations facilitated by the Maynilad Water Academy (MWA).
How it works
The delegation was introduced to Maynilad’s use of field-based acoustic leak detection and centralized monitoring through its Central Control Room.
Participants also learned about the water concessionaire’s workforce development and operational accountability systems and observed NRW reduction efforts within its service area.
ADB cited Maynilad’s approach as a useful reference for capacity-building programs because it combines technology and field operations with workforce training and accountability.
Why it matters
ADB said the visit could help pave the way for South Asian water utilities to learn from operational models deployed in large urban water systems facing persistent water losses and service reliability issues.
“Many utilities face similar challenges with water losses, but sustained NRW reduction requires more than equipment,” MWA officer-in-charge Edmundo M. Perez II said.
“It requires trained personnel, consistent field execution, and operational systems that support fast detection and response,” he added.
What’s next
The visit opened discussions on potential technical exchanges, peer learning activities and opportunities to share MWA’s training approach with utilities in India and other ADB member countries.
ADB and MWA have worked together for several years on capacity-building initiatives, including technical training, learning sessions and study visits for water utilities across the region. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
