• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental provincial government will continue to negotiate with the Silay City government for the implementation of the proposed P1.1-billion bulk water supply project using the running water at the Imbang River.
“I hope through constant dialogue, we can come up with a good solution, sooner or later,” Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said on Wednesday.
The provincial government and Silay City government have differing views on the project, with Mayor Joedith Gallego himself expressing opposition to the granting of a resolution of no objection.
Gallego maintained that drawing water from the rivers of Silay would endanger the supply for its residents and farmers.
“We cannot impose our views or priorities on people or local government units despite the fact that we are the province. We’re supposed to be big brother to them. They should also trust and look to us to take care of their needs,” Diaz said.
Gallego suggested to the provincial government to source out water supply from the neighboring Malogo River instead.
Diaz said the bulk water supply project is a product of national and international study, which also led to the establishment of the Provincial Integrated Water Security Council, aimed at ensuring adequate potable water supply in the future.
Even the Silay City Water District has expressed its intention to enter into contract with the provincial government to get 5 million liters per day (MLD) as it is also confronted with lack of water supply, Diaz said.
“We will give it to them,” he added.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier said the provincial government is asking for only 24MLD for the bulk water supply project, noting that the Imbang River has a capacity of about 400MLD.
By 2030, Negros Occidental will experience “water stress”, based on the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan. | GB
