In 2016, the Philippines Government Department of Environment and Natural Resources passed the Clean Water Act Legislation (DAO 2016-08), Republic Act No 9275. The approval of this legislation propelled the demand for wastewater treatment in the Philippines, resulting in sky rocketing demands for sewerage treatment plants and sewerage networks. The rapid development and unplanned urbanisation of Metro Manila and its surrounding cities however makes conventional open excavation method of laying sewer pipelines extremely unfavourable, hence, giving to the rise in demand for trenchless technology pipelaying works, both for sewers and water.
In the Philippines, one of the most significant trenchless projects was the first water system tunnel, better known in the Philippines as the Umiray-Angat Tunnel. The project was launched by Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) in the mid-90’s, and in 1996, the Robbins 4.88m shielded tunnel boring machine started its long journey. The result was a 13km tunnel with a 4.30m diameter.
As demand for new pipelines increases, Metro Manila only has 20 to 25% sewerage coverage and about 75% freshwater coverage. There is still a huge gap between what is needed, and what is currently in place, and with the growing population and increase in population in density, the urgency for new pipelines is now greater than ever before. Over 600km of sewer pipeline needs to be laid to meet the current and short-term demand across the Metro Manila and its surrounding cities, the aging and small existing water pipelines also require upsizing, upgrading or additional pipeline.
This makes Manila the ideal city to host Trenchless Asia, which heads to the World Trade Center Metro in Manila on 16th & 17th July 2024.
Now in its 13th year Trenchless Asia attracted over 2500 visitors in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2023, this event will bring together industry leaders, professionals, experts, and students to explore the latest advancements and innovations in trenchless technology. Featuring the Philippines most prominent water and sewerage providers, including Manila Water, Maynilad Water and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System. Dr. Sam Ariaratnam, Professor and Sunstate Chair of Construction Management & Engineering at Arizona State University, a world-renowned HDD expert with over 25 years of experience in trenchless pipeline engineering research and education, will also be in attendance.
Highly regarded international organisations are also taking part in the conference, including the Philippine Tunnelling Society, the Hong Kong Tunnelling Society, Arup and the PE100+ Association and JBP Trenchless Training. Trenchless Asia has also formed a partnership with Batangas University, the student’s participation will support their technical learning and increase their understanding of the opportunities available to them in this high growth and innovative sector.
As the leading trenchless technology event for the Asia-Pacific region, an impressive line-up of exhibitors will fill a packed exhibition hall, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to access over eighty of the sector’s leading product and service providers, including Vermeer, Herrenknecht, Pipesolution Inc, XCMG, USAE, Drillto and DCI. The amount of new pipeline that needs to be installed or upgraded, coupled with the limited number of service providers, means the Philippines is one of the world’s highest growth potential markets, and makes Trenchless Asia the not to be missed event.
To book your free ticket to attend Trenchless Asia head to the website www.trenchlessasia.com or click here
