BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said that the bulk water project is a priority of his administration, for implementation in 2023, through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
If we could pull this through, I hope by next year there will already be a bidding, Lacson, who will be on official travel from December 23 to January 3 next year, said.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is extending technical assistance for the development of a bulk water supply project in Negros Occidental through PPP.
The bulk water supply project that aims to address the rising water demand is one of the priorities under the seven-point development agenda of the Lacson administration.
It involves the design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of a bulk water supply facility.
By developing surface water as a sustainable source of potable and resilient water supply, the province would be able to reduce its reliance on deep wells.
“This is big. It is water supply for Bacolod City, cities of Talisay City and Silay,” Lacson said.
Asked if it is legal that a provincial government project will benefit Bacolod which is autonomous from the Capitol, Lacson replied in affirmatives, “because no investor will come in, if Bacolod is not included.”
He pointed out that Bacolod City remains the biggest market in the supply of water.
Lacson also said that demand for water of the other LGUs may follow in a few years.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz earlier disclosed that the bulk water project will tap surface water from the Embang River in Silay City and the Malogo River at the Victorias City- EB Magalona border.
Diaz said that Embang River alone can supply 40 million liters per day (mld) while the Malogo River can supply a higher volume.*
