BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – There are now four companies expressing interest to invest in Negros Occidental’s proposed bulk water project under a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said San Miguel Corporation (SMC) officials requested to meet with provincial officials regarding their participation in the project bidding.
SMC operates the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project in Luzon.
According to the provincial administrator, feasibility study results for the bulk water project will be presented to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Monday, June 19.
The technical working group from the province will also attend the presentation.
Furthermore, Diaz emphasized the need to discuss the total project cost and its specific location.
Four local government units in the north – the cities of Silay, Talisay and Victorias and the municipality of Manapla – expressed intent to avail themselves of water supply under the PPP project.
The bulk water supply would tap the Malogo and Imbang rivers as surface water resources.
Among the other interested companies in the bulk water project are Aboitiz Infra Capital, the firm of billionaire tycoon Enrique Razon, and an unnamed firm./PN
