• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is not yet giving up on the proposed construction of the P1.1-billion bulk water supply project in Barangay Guimbalaon, Silay City, which is being opposed by Mayor Joedith Gallego.
The running water at the Imbang River is among the two sources of the mega infrastructure project aside from the Malogo River in the boundary of E.B. Magalona and Victorias City as identified by a study commissioned by the provincial government.
Lacson said the capacity of the Imbang River is about 400 million liters per day (MLD).
“All we are asking is 24 MLD to 26 MLD, which is only six percent of the capacity. So, it is not a big figure for them to lose,” he added.
The provincial government needs a resolution of no objection (RONO) and a reclassification of the one-hectare lot it purchased for the bulk water supply project to push through and benefit the cities of Silay, Talisay and Bacolod as well as the municipality of E.B. Magalona.
Gallego maintained his stand of not granting a RONO, saying that the drawing of water from the Imbang River would endanger the supply of water for its residents and farmers.
“We have not given up hope, you know we are trying to reach out to Silay, which could even be the biggest beneficiary of this bulk water project,” Lacson said. “Let’s keep trying to convince them, but at the end of the day, there will come a time that we will have to decide, whether we will push through with it or not”.
On the possibility of invoking the eminent domain as supporters of the project claimed that Silay City is not the owner of water coming from the mountains to the city lowland areas, Lacson said “as much as possible, we don’t want to be confrontational”.
“We want them to join the plan for this purpose, we want them to be part of the group to pursue this project,” he added. “Obviously, as it is right now, we cannot proceed”.
Asked if the opposition of Gallego may have something to do with politics, Lacson said: “I don’t want to put malice. Maybe it’s really his personal stand.” | GB
