• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The provincial government of Negros Occidental will now use its savings to fund the P1.1-billion bulk water supply project.
This was revealed yesterday by Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II as the province will no longer pursue the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme to implement its mega infrastructure project, which it hopes to realize within the administration of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
The bidding for the bulk water supply project was earlier declared by the Bid and Awards Committee as “failure” due to issues on high water tariff.
Only one bidder participated.
Diaz said the fund for the project’s first tranche, which is P520 million already got the approval of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental.
The first phase of the construction will start from the water intake point to the bulk water treatment facility located in one hectare lot, which was purchased by the provincial government in Barangay Guimbalaon, Silay City.
“We are now trying to finish the term of reference and all other financial and technical documents so that we can start the bidding process for Phase 1,” Diaz said
If all goes well, the bidding for the Phase 1 maybe held in October, he added.
The provincial government is targeting to start the Phase 2 of its project, which will cost P600 million, next year.
It covers the installation of conveyance pipes from the water treatment facility to cities of Silay, Talisay, Bacolod, and even E. B. Magalona town.
The provincial government and the lone bidder did not agree on the water tariff.
Lacson earlier said the cost of water was too high at P24 per cubic meter, stressing that the takers are not amenable to it.
The provincial government wants the rate to go down to P14 per cubic meter, but the bidder is not amenable to it.
“If there is a partner, the high price of water tariff cannot avoided,” Diaz said.
He noted that with the project funded by the provincial government, the P14 per cubic meter price of water will be available.
Diaz said they are hoping to get a resolution of no objection from the Silay City government, including reclassification of the lot where the bulk water project will be constructed, following a meeting with concerned local government officials, water district officials, who were updated on the proposed project.
“We are hoping and praying they see the importance of the project in the lives of their people,” Diaz said.
About 34.5 million liters per day being expected to be sourced out from Malogo and Imbang rivers, in cities of Victorias and Silay, by the bulk water treatment facility, according to the provincial government of Negros Occidental. | GB
