No formal proposal yet for capitol bulk water project

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Not one of the four companies who expressed interest in the proposed Bulk Water Project of the provincial government of Negros Occidental has made any formal offer for the undertaking.

Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said that “while they verbally expressed their intention, no proposals have been submitted to the provincial government, as of this time.”

Diaz said the provincial government is set to hold an investor’s forum for the bulk water project in June 2023.

As to rumors that an investor already backed out of the project, Diaz quipped that it has not even started yet, in the first place.

“There is nothing to say until everything is formalized.”

Diaz also said that with the looming food and water crisis, not only in the country but the whole world, Negros Occidental has to be in a better position and be prepared for any eventuality.

He added, “our strategy, regardless of what will happen in the world, as long as we take care of our people, their basic needs, we can prevail on whatever challenges we will see in the future.”

The surface water of two big rivers in the third district of Negros Occidental are to be tapped by the bulk water project, Diaz pointed out.

Diaz also revealed that experts from the University of the Philippines-Los Baños are currently in Negros Occidental to study the Bago River Watershed area.

They are studying the vulnerability and high-risk areas in terms of flood, drought, landslide, and fire, at the Bago River Watershed, which can be determined scientifically.

They will come up with a detailed evaluation which will be submitted to the provincial government, Diaz said.

The study will serve as a guide for local government units, such as Don Salvador Benedicto, Bago City, San Carlos City, and Pulupandan.