All systems go for bulk water investors’ forum

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said all is set for the Investors’ Forum on the Bulk Water project of the Negros Occidental provincial government on August 10, 2023.

Diaz said at least 67 investors will participate.

Among the prominent firms that will join the forum are Aboitiz InfraCapital, Prime Water, Tubig Pilipinas, Metro Pacific Water, San Miguel Holdings Corp., DATEM Water Inc., Maynilad Water Services, SUEZ, Almana Group of Companies, Manila Water Philippine Ventures Inc., and Bohol Water Utilities, Inc.

Diaz said 21 representatives will attend in person, while 46 others will join the forum online.

Diaz further said that it will be an “interesting event,” adding that they are hoping they can start the bidding for the Capitol bulk water project as soon as possible.

As the project is to be undertaken under the Private Public Partnership (PPP) scheme, the provincial government seeks to enter into a joint venture agreement with a private investor to fund the P1.2-billion project.

The Capitol will allocate P100 million as its own equity to ensure low tariff rates for consumers in the five local government units that will avail of the water supply.

The bulk water project can produce 31 million liters per day (MLD), with the surface water of the Imbang and Malogo rivers to be tapped.

Diaz said that after the investors’ forum, they will finalize legal documents and submit it to the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System for bidding.

Aside from the water districts of Manapla, Victorias City, EB Magalona, Silay and Talisay, the Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA) also expressed interest to avail of 10MLD for the duration of the project, subject to the conduct of due diligence and execution of a definitive agreement.