- GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Friday, May 24, that the bidding for the P1.2-billion Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project (NBWSP) will proceed on June 27.
“We have decided to push through with the June 27 bidding,” he said amid questions raised about the project, which will use the unsubscribed surface water of Malogo and Imbang rivers in the third district of the province.
The rivers pass through the local government units of Talisay City, Silay City, Victorias City and E.B. Magalona.
Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego earlier said that sugar planters are opposing the bulk water supply project while members of the City Council have yet to act on the resolution of no objection (RONO) being requested by the provincial government.
Vice Mayor Thomas Maynard Ledesma debunked claims that “politics” is behind their opposition.
“We are not against this. We just need to be clarified,” Ledesma said.
Lacson said, “If they have questions, we are ready to answer”.
He added that Silay has not categorically stated that they will disapprove the request for RONO.
The municipalities of Manapla and E.B. Magalona, and the cities of Victorias, Talisay, and Bacolod, have already issued a RONO for the provincial government to push through with the bulk water supply project.
“At the end of the day, it will benefit Silay also, especially being a growing community that really needs good, clean and safe water,” Lacson said.
Eleven private firms have purchased pre-bid documents for the Capitol bulk water supply project.
Ayala Corp. recently pulled out from the scheduled bidding as they are now out of water business, Lacson said.
The Philippine conglomerate sold its entire stake in utility firm Manila Water Company to top shareholder Trident Water Company, which is owned by tycoon Enrique Razon, for a gross consideration of about P14.5 billion.
Lacson said that Manila Water Company is also among the prospective bidders for the province’s bulk water supply project. | GB
