Negros Occ. Eyes Rebid for PHP1.2B Bulk Water Project

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the provincial government may rebid its PHP1.2 billion bulk water supply project due to high proposed water rates.

Lacson told reporters Tuesday that the lone bidder in the project offered a tariff of PHP24 per cubic meter, which he described as too expensive.

“Our takers are not amenable to that,” Lacson said, adding that the province is looking for ways to bring the cost down.

The bidding had been postponed several times before attracting only one consortium composed of First Balfour Inc., Victorias Milling Co. and FPIP Utilities Inc.

The proposed joint venture involves financing, designing, constructing, operating and maintaining a bulk water supply system capable of delivering at least 34.5 million liters per day.

The water will be sourced from the Malogo and Imbang Rivers, with the provincial government initially offering to invest PHP200 million in equity.

Lacson said the province is willing to provide more equity if bidders agree to lower the water tariff.

“Water security is really a concern,” Lacson said.

“We hope to be able to convince bidders to bring down their cost of water,” he added.

The project is intended to supply six water service providers in the cities of Silay, Talisay, Victorias and Bacolod, and the municipalities of E.B. Magalona and Manapla.

Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz earlier said the provincial government had expected a rate of PHP14 per cubic meter, not PHP24.

The project has yet to be awarded by the provincial government.