Negros Occ. guv okays P1.2-B bulk water project

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has given the green light to the provincial government’s bulk water project, which will be implemented through a joint venture partnership.

Lacson thanked partners of the provincial government in the feasibility study, which enabled them to gain valuable insights into the challenges and solutions, as well as the next steps to take.

“This project, which is made possible through the partnership between the provincial government, PPP Center, Asian Development Bank, and USAID, demonstrates the power of collaboration and shared vision in effecting initiatives of utmost importance and urgency, ensuring the availability of safe water to every Negrense,” Lacson further said.

The feasibility study on the project was funded by the Asian Development Bank, through the Public Private Partnership Center, in tandem with the provincial government of Negros Occidental and USAID Safe Water.

It got the approval of the governor after the feasibility study presentation by the consultants on June 19, according to Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz.

The bulk water project costs P1.2 billion, with the provincial government providing P100 million as its equity to ensure low tariff rates for consumers in five local government units that will avail of the water supply, Diaz said.

Diaz added that four private companies are interested to invest in the bulk water project – Aboitiz, San Miguel Corporation, Maynilad Water and Suez Water Technologies.

Following its approval, Diaz said an investor forum will be held next month, to be followed by the start of the bidding process, with evaluation and awarding of the project from August to November 2023.

The bulk water project aims to provide adequate and safe drinking water to six local government units in Bacolod City if its water district wants to avail it, cities of Talisay, Silay and Victorias, as well as EB Magalona and Manapla.

It will tap the surface water of Embang and Malogo rivers in the third district of Negros Occidental.

Diaz disclosed that the water districts in the cities of Talisay, Silay and Victorias, as well as Manapla and EB Magalona, have committed to join the project, while the Bacolod City Water District has yet to send a Letter of Intent.

As to the site of the bulk water project plant, he said the consultants recommended the private partner will have to decide, based on their business plans.

With equity and water rights, the provincial government will participate in the management of the bulk water project, jointly managed by the company, he added.

As recommended by the consultants, Diaz said the provincial government prefers a joint venture partnership, rather than Public Private Partnership (PPP), “as it is faster, with more relaxed regulatory requirements.”

He said the bulk water project is projected to produce 31 million liters per day.