• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental provincial government bulk water project, to be implemented through a joint venture partnership is now a “go”, revealed Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz yesterday.
This comes after a feasibility study on the project funded by the Asian Development Bank, through the Public Private Partnership Center, in tandem with the provincial government of Negros Occidental and USAID Safe Water, secured the approval of Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson during a presentation by the consultants on June 19, Diaz said.
The bulk water project will cost P1.2 billion, with the provincial government providing a counterpart fund of P100 million as its own equity, and aims to ensure low tariff rates for consumers in the five local government units that will avail of the water supply.
Diaz said there are four private companies are interested to invest in the bulk water project, including Aboitiz, San Miguel Corporation, Maynilad Water, and Suez Water Technologies.
Following the project’s approval, Diaz said an investor forum will be held next month, to be followed by the start of the bidding process, with evaluation and awarding of the project expected from August to November this year.
The bulk water project aims to provide adequate and safe drinking water to six local government units, including Bacolod City, if its water district will avail of it, and the cities of Talisay, Silay, and Victorias, as well as EB Magalona and Manapla.
It will tap surface water of Embang and Malogo rivers in the third district of Negros Occidental.
Diaz disclosed that the water districts in cities of Talisay, Silay, and Victorias, as well as Manapla and EB Magalona, have committed to join the project, while the Bacolod City Water District has yet to send a Letter of Intent.
With regard to the plant site of the bulk water project, he said the consultants recommended it will be the up to the private partner to decide, based on their business plans.
With equity and water rights, the provincial government will participate in the management of the bulk water project, jointly managed the company, he added.
As recommended by the consultants, he said the provincial government prefers a joint venture partnership, rather than Public Private Partnership (PPP), “as it is faster, with more relaxed regulatory requirements.”
He said the bulk water project has a capacity of 31 million liters per day (MLD).
In a statement, Gov. Lacson thanked the partners of the provincial government in the conduct of the feasibility study which enabled them to gain valuable insights into the challenges and solutions, as well as the next steps to take.
This project, which is made possible through the partnership between provincial government, PPP, ADB and USAID, demonstrates the power of collaboration and shared vision in effecting initiatives of utmost importance and urgency, ensuring the availability of safe water to every Negrense, Lacson further said.*
