• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The proposed P1.2-billion bulk supply water project of the Negros Occidental provincial government failed to get the support of the councils of Barangays Bagtic and Guimbalaon in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
On Feb. 3, Bagtic passed a resolution, disapproving the proposed project after a consultation with its residents and review and deliberations of the council.
The barangay council raised the possible effects of the project, including but not limited to environmental impact, water accessibility, land use issues, and welfare of the community.
They added that majority of the residents expressed their opposition to the project due to fears of water shortage, displacement, and other negative consequences.
In a resolution approved Feb. 5, Guimbalaon said that while they recognize the intent of improving water security, “the barangay cannot endorse the project at this time, due to community opposition, citing environmental concerns such as water source depletion, land impact, fears about water rates and access and privatization”.
The resolution further stated that the barangay will not be prioritized for water access and supply once the project starts.
Stressing that they are not rejecting development, they said that “development must have the consent, confidence, and protection of the people”.
The Silay City Council earlier requested Guimbalaon and Bagtic, where the identified source of water, Imbang River, is located to express their stand on the proposed project.
The Imbang River has been chosen as the venue for the project upon the recommendation of the consultants engaged by the Asian Development Bank and United States Agency for International Development, according to the provincial government.
Mayor Joedith Gallego, Vice Mayor Thomas Maynard Ledesma, and some members of the City Council also aired their opposition to the proposed bulk water project.
To push through with the project in Silay City, the provincial government needs a resolution of no objection from the concerned local government unit. | GB
