By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
THE SUDDEN opposition by Silay City’s Mayor Joedith Gallego against the proposed bulk water project of the province of Negros Occidental is being billed a “bolt in the blue”. It has never, ever been expected.
But Mayor Joedith, in a media interview on May 16, delivered his piece with confidence and conviction, citing the vehement opposition from his constituents, including sugar planters.
Silay, through the Imbang River and portions of Malogo River, is being eyed as one of the host communities for the ambitious Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project (NOBWSP). The other locality is the town of EB Magalona. Therefore, Silay’s endorsement for the project is vital, and a basic requisite in processing later for the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental compliance certificate (ECC) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), among other pertinent papers needed.
If Silay, starting from the host barangays, won’t give endorsement, the proposed bulk water project will just remain in paper.
WILL DO EVERYTHING
Pissed off by the unexpected opposition, Gov. Bong Lacson declared on Thursday, May 16, “We will do everything to pursue the project, including the bidding in June, or July or, the most, in August.”
The question is, how will the winning bidder (just case) process everything when one of the host communities for this bulk water project is saying “no”?
What power of the state will Gov. Bong use? The power to tax? Power of the eminent domain? Police power?
Undoubtedly, the governor is gonna have a “headache”.
WATER SECURITY OR FOOD SECURITY
The bulk water project, stressed Governor Lacson, aims to attain water security in the province.
He reiterated that Negros Occidental’s underground water ain’t dependable anymore, nearing the critical state. Thus, the search for the best source(s) of potable water.
Malogo and Imbang rivers were found to be “swak” for the gigantic quest for water security.
During the pre-bid conference on February 7, 2024, 11 firms joined leading to event’s success. So the province is now preparing for the “big bidding day”.
But with Mayor Joedith now at the front seat of opposition jet, the province has no choice but to address his pressing concerns.
Ang pamangkot: Masarangan bala ni Gov. Bong paupawan si Mayor Joedith?
Nothing will happen once the host community goes astray.
LOVE THY HOST
With an initial projection of 34.44 million liters per day lMLD) as maximum daily production, a water project like this, based on my 10-year experience in the corporate jungle, there’s no appropriate mantra but “love thy host”. It is just like saying, “the customer is always right”.
The endorsement of the host community is “beyond vital”. If they go against a project, nothing will happen unless the government employs the power of eminent domain (but this requires a lot of tricky processes).
Well, let’s wait and see what the provincial government, especially the Provincial Legal Office can do./PN
