• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Following the rejection of the P1.2 billion bulk water supply proposal by the Silay City government, the provincial government of Negros Occidental is pursuing water permits which will be needed in future projects, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II disclosed on Monday.
Diaz said the provincial government continues to comply with all the legal requirements, relative to the issuance of water permits.
Maybe in the future, he said that water permits could be necessary.
“People in government change. Basi lain naman sa Silay (Maybe it will be different in Silay) who will realize the importance of the project, and approve it. Then, the legal requirements are ready,” Diaz said.
The Negros Occidental provincial government is entertaining the possibility of continuing the proposed bulk water supply project by tapping the surface water of Malogo River in E.B. Magalona town.
If they pursue the project, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said it will be on a smaller scale, where it may only benefit a few local government units, namely E.B. Magalona, Manapla, and Victorias City.
Nothing is really wasted. Don’t feel bad about it, because we are just doing everything for the good of Negrenses, Diaz said.
If the people don’t realize what it is, and how important it is. Then, it is okay. But it will not stop us from doing what we feel and think is good for Negrenses, in the present and in the next generation, he added.
If Governor Lacson says it is a go for Malogo River and do it in a smaller scale design, we can pursue it, Diaz said.
I hope we still have time to implement the project, because this is one legacy that Gov. Lacson wants before he steps down, he further said, adding that former Third District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez was even enthusiastic about the bulk water project.*
