The provincial government of Negros Occidental is looking for investors for its water security plans, under the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) scheme.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who spoke on the financing challenges and opportunities of Negros Occidental’s water security plan at the 2nd Philippine Water Challenge and Water Forum 2022 in Manila, said that by joining the forum “we may be able to attract investors” and link up with companies, through their Corporate Social Responsibility offices.
Also in attendance at the forum were representatives from San Miguel Corporation, the MVP Group of Companies, and Ayala Corporation, among others.
Lacson, who was accompanied by Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez and Provincial Administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, said the planned bulk water project of Capitol needs PPP if there is a willing investor.
He also said that the provincial government will convene its newly-created water security council on Sept. 16 to review and approve a provincial integrated water security plan with the USAID Safe Water assistance.
In his presentation during the water forum, Lacson said the plan will serve as the province’s roadmap in achieving water security and as a guide to Municipal Water and Sanitation (WASH) plans that integrate water resource management and coherence of policies for service provision and resource management.
He reported that Negros Occidental is in the process of approving its provincial water security plan.
“Knowing the severity of the problem, we have taken affirmative actions in increasing investments, improving capacities of water service providers, planning for long term source development, and protecting and conserving our watersheds,” the governor said.
Lacson admitted that financing is a major challenge for the provincial government.
“We cannot depend on public resources alone, rather we should set the enabling environment for us to leverage private resources, user fees, and household investments,” he stressed./GB
