• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The proposed P1.2 billion bulk water project of the Negros Occidental provincial government has failed to secure the support of the sangguniang barangays of Bagtic and Guimbalaon in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
On February 3, the sangguniang barangay of Bagtic in Silay City passed a resolution disapproving the proposed Bulk Water Project of the provincial government, following consultation with its residents, review, and deliberations of the council.
In a resolution, the barangay council raised the possible effects of the project, including but not limited to environmental impact, water accessibility, land use issues, and the welfare of the community.
It added that the majority of residents expressed their opposition to the project due to fears of water shortage, displacement, and other negative consequences.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Silay City earlier requested barangays of Guimbalaon and Bagtic to express their stand on the proposed project, being located along the Imbang River, which is eyed as a source of water for the provincial government bulk water project.
A resolution approved by the Sangguniang Barangay of Guimbalaon on Feb. 5 said that while they recognize the intent of improving water security, “the barangay cannot endorse the project at this time, due to community opposition, citing environmental concerns, such as water source depletion, land impact, fears about water rates and access and privatization.”
The resolution further stated that the barangay will not be prioritized for water access and supply, once the project starts.
Stressing that they are not rejecting development, we are insisting that development must have the consent, confidence, and protection of the people, the barangay council said in their resolution.
The Imbang River in Silay City has been chosen as the venue for the project, upon the recommendation of the consultants engaged by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and USAID, according to the provincial government.
Mayor Joedith Gallego, Vice Mayor Tom Ledesma, and some members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod have also aired their opposition against capitol bulk water project in Silay City.
To push through the project in Silay City, the provincial government needs a Resolution of No Objection (RONO) from the concerned local government unit.
The Silay City council is expected to come up with its stand soon, through a resolution granting the RONO, or not.
Gallego maintained that drawing water from the rivers of Silay would endanger the supply needed by the city’s residents and farmers.
According to the provincial government, Negros Occidental will experience a water crisis in 2030 if the province’s water supply requirement will not be addressed by that time, citing a study of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
“Our source of water, which is underground, is unreliable and contaminated, resulting in waterborne diseases,” disclosed by Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II.
The provincial government reiterated that the bulk water project is not merely an infrastructure undertaking but a flagship initiative of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson’s administration, aimed at securing safe, clean, and sustainable water for Negrenses.*
