• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Participants of the public hearing on the proposed Negros Occidental provincial government Bulk Water Project, which was recently held in Barangay Guimbalaon, Silay City, have aired strong sentiments against the project, according to Vice Mayor Thomas Maynard Ledesma.
Ledesma, in a telephone interview on Friday, claimed that advantages of the project was outweighed by its disadvantages, insisting that there is not enough supply of water, for the needs of Guimbalaon residents, even during La Niña, and much worse, during the occurrence of the El Niño phenomenon.
Mayor Joedith Gallego and the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Silay have previously aired their stand against the Capitol bulk water project.
Ledesma said owners of properties being eyed to be purchased by the provincial government for its bulk water project, are asking feedback for their feedback before making the decision to sell their land.
More than 100 individuals, including farmers, residents from upstream and downstream communities, local leaders, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens, attended a public hearing of the Silay City Council committees on Environment and Natural Resources, as well as Utilities on December 3 in Brgy. Guimbalaon, which was joined by representatives of the provincial government, Silay City Water District (SICIWA), Fr. Ernie Larida, and concerned barangay officials.
According to the provincial government, the dialogue focused on water security, watershed rehabilitation, environmental concerns, and the long-term sustainability of Silay City’s water supply.
According to SICIWA, its mandate is aligned with the provincial government strategy and contradicts with national program standards, which is to provide safe, affordable and sustainable water.
A statement from the provincial government, which was posted on its Facebook page, estimates that the Silay City groundwater will become insufficient and critically scarce in about 20 years, if no action will be taken now.
Stressing that the water crisis already started several years ago, Fr. Larida said the water resources should be shared. He also stressed the need to implement a whole-of- government approach to restore the forest cover.
The provincial government has an ongoing watershed rehabilitation in Talisay City. It also expressed its willingness to shoulder the expenses for the establishment of the Imbang Watershed Council and its management plan.
As to the water availability for irrigation, which was raised by downstream farmers, the provincial government said that it has four small water-impounding projects that will be available for them, in coordination with local farmer groups.
Regarding water access for Guimbalaon barangay residents, the provincial government said it is now studying ways to connect the barangay which cannot be reached by SICIWA services to the Bulk Water Project, for them to benefit from a safe and reliable water supply.
The P1.2 billion Bulk Water Project is solely financed by the Negros Occidental provincial government.
The provincial government reiterated that the Bulk Water Project is not merely an infrastructure undertaking, but a flagship initiative of the administration of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, which is aimed at securing safe, clean, and sustainable water for Negrenses.
Ledesma said another public hearing will be held before the two committees consolidates and the findings and recommendations.*
