• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Five local government units (LGUs), except for Silay City, have already issued a resolution of no objection (RONO) to the proposed P1.2-billion bulk water supply project of the Negros Occidental provincial government, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said on Friday (May 17).
“The problem is not technical, it’s something else” Diaz said, on why the Silay City Council has yet to issue a RONO.
He said the three factions at the Silay City Council cannot agree whether or not to give a RONO to province.
Diaz said that the municipalities of Manapla and E.B. Magalona as well as the cities of Victorias, Talisay and Bacolod have already issued RONO to the provincial government.
Mayor Joedith Gallego said on Thursday that the City Council and the sugar planters group are opposing the bulk water supply project, as they expressed fears of water shortage for Silaynons.
Despite the opposition, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier said that they will push through with the project, stressing that it was not a sudden decision but underwent a study spanning several years.
Diaz said that water should be above politics.
“It is a basic need and a basic right of every Silaynon, and all of us should be one in supporting the bulk water supply project,” he added.
“We will not be taking away water that is already given to them, based on their water permits,” Diaz said, apparently referring to the Hawaiian-Philippine Company sugar mill and other industries in Silay City.
“Water is not owned by an LGU. It is being governed by the national government,” he pointed out.
The surface water at Imbang and Malogo rivers to be tapped by the proposed bulk water supply project passes through Victorias City, E.B. Magalona and Talisay City, aside from Silay City.
The proposed water treatment facilities are to be established in Barangay Guimbalaon, Silay City and in Malogo, E.B. Magalona.
The bidding for the bulk water supply project is slated next month.
“We will do everything possible to make it happen, especially our bidding for the bulk water supply,” Lacson said. | GB
