Negros Occ. bulk water supply project attracts investors

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (right) with Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon after the latter officiated the New Year’s mass held at the social hall of the provincial capitol building Wednesday morning.

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson revealed Wednesday that the proposed Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project has attracted the interest of three investors.

“By July, we will start our bidding for the bulk water supply project, with three or more investors expected to participate,” Lacson said.

Lacson revealed the information to reporters in an ambush interview after he met with Capitol employees and department heads Wednesday.

He considers the bulk water project as the biggest project of his administration in 2023.

“It’s something that I feel will benefit the province, although the biggest beneficiary will still be Bacolod City,” Lacson said.

He also stressed that the project is a PPP (Private Public Partnership).

“If we will not include Bacolod City, which is the biggest market, they (investors) will not waste their time, he said.

The bulk water project will tap water from the Embang River in Silay City and the Malogo River at the Victorias City and EB Magalona border.

It will become a source for water districts in Bacolod, as well as components cities of Silay and Talisay, as disclosed earlier by Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz.

Diaz said that the Embang River can supply 40 million liters per day, while the Malogo River can supply more than that.

Lacson refused to identify the three private investors, nor the amount or design of the project, adding that it will be known “after it is bidded out.”

He also announced pushing forward with the development of the bamboo industry for the safe water project, where several local government units have shown serious intent to become the bamboo capital of the province.

Lacson said that the development of the bamboo industry in the province would also mean “taking care of our environment”.

“We hope to succeed in this area, because, if we can show that we can do it here, then we can go to other areas, which will also expand the protection of our environment,” he added.