There are now four investors who expressed interest in the Bulk Water Project of the provincial government of Negros Occidental, Provincial Administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, said Monday, March 20.
While they verbally expressed their intention, Diaz said no proposals have been given yet to the provincial government.
He added that an investors’ forum will be held in June this year for the bulk water project.
Of rumors about an investor backing out from the project, Diaz stressed the project has not even started yet.
“There is nothing to say, until everything is formalized,” he pointed out.
With the looming food and water crisis, not only in the country but the whole world, Diaz said that Negros Occidental has to be in a better position to be prepared for any eventuality.
“Our strategy, regardless of what will happen in the world, is to take care of our people and their basic needs. We can prevail over whatever challenges we will encounter in the future,” he added.
The surface water of two big rivers in the 3rd District of Negros Occidental will be tapped for the bulk water project of the provincial government.
Meanwhile, experts from the University of the Philippines Los Baños are in Negros Occidental for a study of the Bago River Watershed area.
They will come up with a detailed evaluation which will be submitted to the provincial government, Diaz said.
He also said that the study will serve as a guide for local government units.
Data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources showed that the watershed irrigates 13,277 hectares of rice farms, and 500 hectares of sugarcane plantations./GB
