• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
There is no stopping from the provincial government of Negros Occidental as it pursues its bulk water project, amid opposition from members of the Silay City Sangguniang Panlungsod and sugar planters, as confirmed by Mayor Joedith Gallego.
“We have already decided that we can tap those (water) sources,” said Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, apparently referring to the Imbang and Malogo rivers that pass the local government units of Victorias City, E.B. Magalona, and Talisay City, aside from Silay City.
Lacson stressed that it was not just a sudden decision, referring to the bulk water project, adding that it underwent a study spanning several years.
“We can’t depend on underground water anymore. Let us make use of our surface water”, he said.
“Those two rivers that we will tap are really a good source of surface water. In fact, there are other rivers in Negros Occidental, that hopefully in the future, we can also tap, especially if it will become economically feasible,” Lacson added.
While he is not personally against the project, Gallego, however, said that the Silay City Council and sugar planters are opposing it, as they expressed fears of a water shortage if the project pushes through.
He also noted that the HPCO (Hawaiian Philippine Company) sugar central is also using the surface water of Imbang River, aside from an irrigation dam, which is now experiencing limited supply of water.
Asked if the opposition to the project will derail its realization, Lacson said “We will do everything possible to make it happen, especially our bidding for the bulk water supply.”
Lacson also announced that E.B. Magalona already aired its commitment to join the project.
As to claims that the project will affect the water system of Silay, Lacson said “How can that be, because Silay is also one the recipients of water, with Bacolod City as the biggest consumer. Silay is in the loop, as those can avail of the surface water project.”
The proposed P1.2 billion Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project (NBWSP) bidding has been scheduled next month, with 11 firms having bought bid documents during the pre bid conference conducted by the provincial government, in partnership with the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPP), and the Asian Development Bank.
The firms that bought bid documents include the Manila Water Philippine Ventures Inc., Balibago Waterworks System Inc., First Balfour Inc., PrimeWater Resources Inc., BW Water Inc., Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., MacroAsia Properties Development Corp., Maynilad Water Services Inc., San Miguel Holdings Corp., and ME Sicat Construction Inc.
Regarding the status of the project, Lacson said they are awaiting the bidding.*
