Bulk water project geared to address rising demand – guv

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said that the bulk water project through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is a priority of his administration for implementation in 2023.

He said the bulk water supply project aims to address the rising water demand in the province.

“If we could pull this through, I hope by next year there will already be a bidding,” the governor said

Lacson will be on official travel from December 23 to January 3 next year and has designated Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer as acting governor.

The governor further said that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is extending technical assistance for the development of a bulk water supply project in Negros Occidental through PPP.

It involves the design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of a bulk water supply facility.

“It is water supply for Bacolod City, cities of Talisay City and Silay,” Lacson said.

Asked if it is legal that a provincial government project will benefit Bacolod which is autonomous from the Capitol, Lacson said yes adding that “no investor will come in if Bacolod is not included.”

He pointed out that Bacolod City remains the biggest market in the supply of water.

Lacson also said that demand for water from the other LGUs may follow in a few years.

Earlier, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said the bulk water project will tap surface water from the Embang River in Silay City and Malogo River at the Victorias City- EB Magalona border.

Diaz said that the Embang River alone can supply 40 million liters per day while the Malogo River can supply a higher volume.