CAPITOL NOT GIVING UP: Negros Occ bulk water project stalls as Silay City holds out

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Despite renewed efforts to push the bulk water project, Negros Occidental officials admitted that the plan remains stalled as the Silay City government continues to withhold approval.

“We have not given up hope. We are trying to reach out to Silay because it could even be the biggest beneficiary of this project,” Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson told Capitol reporters over the weekend.

Lacson said the province is offering Silay the option to specify how much water it needs daily, promising to supply it from harvested resources.

He noted that the water source in Silay has an estimated capacity of 400 million liters per day, but the project is only asking for 24 to 26 million liters daily — around 6 percent of the total.

“It’s not a huge share, but as a growing city, we must ensure we have the utilities to support development, especially water,” Lacson added.

The governor confirmed the purchase of a one-hectare lot for the project.

“That area is the most feasible for the project, which is why we are pushing for it. Unfortunately, without Silay’s approval, we cannot proceed,” he said.

When asked whether the project would be scrapped or moved elsewhere, Lacson admitted it may not push through.

“Our source is in Silay — it’s the closest to Talisay and Bacolod. If Silay says no, most likely it won’t happen,” he said.

Lacson dismissed political motives behind Silay’s reluctance but acknowledged the city may feel the project does not benefit them since they have a sufficient water supply at present.

“But we are not only thinking of today; we are thinking of the future,” he said, warning that water scarcity is expected to worsen with climate change.

Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz echoed the concern.

“We will keep on writing to them, hoping for a positive response,” he said.

He added, “We cannot underestimate the looming water crisis. Scientists are telling us that fresh water will become a very scarce resource in a few years. We need to be ready and resilient as a province.”

Lacson reiterated that the bulk water project will remain on hold until Silay consents.

“But we cannot keep it on hold indefinitely — we will eventually have to decide whether to scrap it or channel the funds to other projects,” he said.

He added that Diaz had personally explained the project to Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego, but the latter remained adamant.

“‘Indi gid ya kuno.’ Silay will not give the go-signal. No resolution of no objection, no land reclassification, and no building permit will be given. So obviously, as it is right now, we cannot proceed,” Lacson said.

Lacson earlier scrapped the public-private partnership scheme for the project after several failed bidding attempts.

He said the provincial government will instead use its savings to finance the initiative.

Gallego has stood firm against the project sourcing water from the Imbang River in Silay City.

He argued that the plan would significantly reduce water supply for Silaynons, especially during the dry season.

“Farmers and sugar planters also source their irrigation water from the Imbang River,” Gallego said.

The provincial government has identified the Imbang River in Silay and the Malogo River at the boundary of E.B. Magalona and Victorias City as supply sources for the bulk water project.

About 34.5 million liters per day are expected to be drawn from the two rivers, according to provincial officials.

Gallego said he is looking after the welfare of Silaynons and warned of possible water depletion at the Imbang River if the project pushes through.