Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson announced on Friday, January 5, that two more private firms are joining the bidding for the P1.2 billion Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project (NBWSP) aimed at addressing the water supply demand of Negrenses.
The two firms are First Balfour Inc. and PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., Lacson said in his New Year’s message to the provincial government employees at the Social Hall of the Capitol in Bacolod City.
The three other firms that earlier expressed interest in joining the bidding are the Manila Water Company Inc., Aboitiz InfraCapital, and Balibago Waterworks System Inc., he said.
“We are currently in the bidding process for our Bulk Water Project. At present, we have five bidders…The interest expressed by these prominent companies is evidence of their confidence in the project, our initiatives for water security, and the effectiveness of our governance,” Lacson said.
The project that will tap surface water will last for decades and will benefit the next generations of Negrenses, he said.
It will provide water to Bacolod, Talisay, Silay, and Victorias cities, as well as the municipalities of E.B. Magalona and Manapla.
The provincial government has also finalized the purchase of the property from the 1st Falls to the 7th Falls adjacent to the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Murcia from the Mambucal Real Estate Development Corporation, Lacson reiterated.
“The Province will now exercise control and ownership over the land surrounding our falls and river systems. Our focus will be on reforestation, ensuring the protection of our falls, and preserving our natural resources,” he said.
He said the provincial government plans to enhance the Mambukal hotel facilities by adding more rooms across various price ranges, from mid-range to high-end options.
“We aim to introduce new tourism features such as trail running, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and potentially tramlines and ziplines to attract both local and foreign tourists,” he added.
“Mambukal has always been a hallmark of our provincial tourism. As such, we aim to develop a world-class resort while at the same time, promoting ecological sustainability and protection,” he said.
The Land Transportation Office, Boy Scouts, and Veterans Bank land and buildings at Cottage Road in Bacolod City have also been returned to the province, he said.
A portion of the Negros Forest property has also been reverted back to the province.
“This 7,000 square meter property will be suitable for a legacy project. We also have plans to establish a Cyber Center II or pursue a PPP project,” Lacson said.
To address congestion in the Capitol area and make good use of the motorpool area, the provincial government is also constructing a two-storey parking lot for its employees, he added.*