• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The proposed Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project has the interest of three investors, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson revealed yesterday.
By July, we will start our bidding for the bulk water supply project, with three or more investors expected to participate, said Lacson, who met with Capitol employees and department heads yesterday, after a New Year’s mass officiated by Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon, at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City.
He considers the bulk water project as the biggest project of his administration in 2023.
“It’s something that I feel will benefit the province, although the biggest beneficiary will still be Bacolod City,” Lacson said, stressing that this is a PPP (Private Public Partnership), where the private investor wants to make money.
If we will not include Bacolod City, which is the biggest market, they (investors) will not waste their time, he said.
The bulk water project will tap the water surface from the Embang River in Silay City and Malogo River at the borders of Victorias City and EB Magalona, as the source for water districts in the highly urbanized city of Bacolod, as well as components cities of Silay and Talisay, disclosed earlier by Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz.
Diaz said that the Embang River can supply 40 million liters per day, while the Malogo River can supply more.
Lacson refused to identify the identities of three private investors, nor the amount or design of the project, adding that it will be known “when we bid it out already.”
He also announced pushing forward the development of bamboo industry for the safe water project, where several local government units have shown serious intent to be the bamboo capital of the province.
Lacson said that the development of bamboo industry in the province, would also mean “taking care of our environment.”
We hope to succeed in this area because if we can show that we can do it, then we can go other areas, which will also expand protection of our environment, he added.*