SURFACE WATER RESOURCES. The Imbang and Malogo Rivers in Silay City are among the biggest streams that have the potential for surface water resources in Negros Occidental. The provincial government will hold an investors’ forum in July for the selection of a private partner for the development of the PHP1.2-billion bulk water supply project that will benefit at least six local government units. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental-PIO)
BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental provincial government is set to select a private partner for the development of the PHP1.2-billion bulk water supply project that will benefit at least six local government units in the northern part of the province.
An investors’ forum will be held next month while the procurement process will start in August, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said on Tuesday.
“Based on the recommendation of our consultants, the project cost initially will reach PHP1.2 billion for our bulk water plant. That will serve about six municipalities and the opening of their supply lines will depend on the capacity of our plant,” he told reporters.
The provincial government is proposing a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme, wherein it would enter into a joint venture agreement with a private investor to fund the PHP1.2 billion project, and would allocate PHP100 million from the province.
So far, four private firms have expressed interest to invest in the bulk water supply project, which is eyeing to use surface water from two major rivers.
On Monday, the province, together with the PPP Center, Asian Development Bank and United States Agency for International Development, held the presentation of the study for the Negros Occidental Bulk Water Project.
“The mood was very optimistic. Governor (Eugenio Jose) Lacson was excited and he was surprised that the project may push through this year. We are happy to inform that all the documents that will be needed for the investors’ forum and for the procurement process of our first-ever bulk water project, that the provincial government applied for, will happen this year,” Diaz said.
In a statement, Lacson thanked the partners of the provincial government in the conduct of the project study.
“This will enable the province to gain valuable insights into the challenges and solutions as well as the next steps to take. This project 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,” he added.
Lacson had earlier said the provincial government is taking the lead in the development of a bulk water supply project to ensure the availability of safe, clean, and potable water for Negrenses.
Groundwater availability in Negros Occidental is only at 8 percent, creating an urgent need to utilize other water sources, including surface water resources, which have 92 percent availability, data presented last year showed. (PNA)
