There are now three firms interested in investing in the bulk water project of Negros Occidental, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said Tuesday, February 21.
The three are Suez, Manila Water of billionaire Enrique Razon Jr. and Aboitiz InfraCapital, he said.
Whether or not the unsolicited proposals are submitted, the Negros Occidental provincial government will continue to conduct its bulk water project feasibility study, he said.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson wants to ensure that water rates for Negrense consumers are reasonable, Diaz said.
An investors’ forum is set for June, but it could also be held earlier, Diaz said. “I we can hold the investors’ forum and conduct the bidding earlier I think the governor and our water consumers will be happy,” he said.
The provincial government and the congressional districts are willing to counterpart on the project, he said.
If the Bacolod City Water District does not join that is okay because residents from Talisay, Silay and Victorias cities and Manapla town can benefit from the project, he added.
The certificate of availability given to the provincial government is for about 40 million liters of water a day from the Malogo River that can be purified by the bulk water plant for distribution to the water districts, he said.*