The P1.2 billion bulk water project of the Negros Occidental provincial government is a go and may push through this year, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said on Tuesday, June 20.
The provincial government will select a private partner for a joint venture partnership in the development of the project that will benefit at least six local government units, Diaz said.
Four firms – San Miguel Corp., Suez, Manila Water of billionaire Enrique Razon and Aboitiz InfraCapitol have already signified interest in bidding for the project, he said.
An investors’ forum will be held in July while the procurement process will start in August, Diaz said.
The consultants who were funded by the Asian Development Bank presented their feasibility study for the project on Monday that will initially cost P1.2 billion and is targeted to serve the needs of Bacolod, Talisay, Silay and Victorias cities, and EB Magalona and Manapla towns.
The Bacolod City Water District has not given its letter of intent to avail of water supply from the project yet but we are now moving forward, Diaz said.
The proposed share of the provincial government in the P1.2 billion project is P100 million, Diaz said.
This will enable the provincial government to have a seat on the board of the firm that will undertake the bulk water project, Diaz said.
The project will move faster under a joint venture because the regulatory requirements are more relaxed than if it is implemented through a public private partnership, he said.*