• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego has maintained his stand against the Negros Occidental provincial government using the Imbang River for its bulk water supply project.
Gallego claimed it will significantly affect the volume of water supply of the Silaynons, especially during the dry season.
“Farmers and sugar planters also source out their irrigation water from the Imbang River,” he said, adding that he is looking into the general welfare of the people of Silay.
The Imbang River in Silay City and Malogo River at the boundary of E.B. Magalona and Victorias City have been identified as the source of water supply to be tapped by the bulk water supply project.
About 34.5 million liters per day is being expected to be sourced out from Malogo and Imbang rivers, according to the provincial government.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II earlier said they are hoping to get a resolution of no objection from the Silay City Council, including the reclassification of the lot where the bulk water supply project will be constructed, following a meeting with concerned local government officials, water district officials, who were updated on the proposed project.
The provincial government is targeting to construct its water treatment facility in Barangay Guimbalaon.
The P1.1-billion bulk water supply project will now be implemented solely by the provincial government, using its savings, as it will no longer pursue the public-private partnership scheme. | GB
