
The Negros Occidental provincial government will fully fund its P1.1 billion bulk water project in order to deliver clean water to Negrenses at cheaper rates.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said on Tuesday, August 12, that the project will no longer be undertaken through a public-private partnership (PPP).
The Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan has already approved P520 million for the first phase of the project, Diaz said.
Fully funding the project will allow the Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project to provide clean and reliable water at P14 per cubic meter, he explained.
If a private sector partner were involved, he said, it would be inevitable that prices would increase.
The provincial government is now finalizing the terms of reference, as well as the financial and technical documents, to proceed with the bidding process, Diaz said.
They hope to soon receive a resolution of no objection from Silay City, he added.
The first phase involves constructing the intake point and the bulk water treatment facility, at a 1 hectare property in Barangay Guimbalaon, Silay City, that the provincial government has already purchased. The reclassification of the land is also expected, Diaz said.
If everything goes smoothly, the bidding for Phase 1 will be held in early October. Phase 2, which involves the installation of conveyance pipes, will be implemented next year, he said.
The province aims to complete the project in two years, during the administration of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, he added.
The first priority beneficiaries of the bulk water project will be Silay and Talisay cities and, if possible, Bacolod and E.B. Magalona, Diaz said.*