BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental provincial government is set to select a private partner for the development of the P1.2-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, June 20.
“Based on the recommendation of our consultants, the initial project cost will reach P1.2 billion for our bulk water plant, which will serve about six municipalities, and the opening of their supply lines will depend on the capacity of our plant,” he said.
The provincial government is proposing a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme. It would enter into a joint venture agreement with a private investor to fund the P1.2 billion and would allocate P100 million from the province.
Last week, Diaz said four private firms expressed interest in investing in the project, which is eyeing to use surface water from two major rivers—the Imbang River in Silay City and the Malogo River in the town of E.B. Magalona.
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. Gov. (Eugenio Jose) Lacson was excited and surprised that the project may push through this year. We are happy to inform that all the documents needed for the investors’ forum and for the procurement process of our first-ever bulk water project, which the provincial government applied for, will happen this year,” Diaz said.
In a statement, Lacson thanked the partners of the provincial government.
“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.
Groundwater availability in Negros Occidental is only eight 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)/PN
