By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental provincial government is planning to hold a forum in June of this year for all investors who are interested in the bulk water project.

Provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said yesterday morning that with the way things are going, everybody is excited as many investors have expressed interest in submitting their unsolicited proposals for the project.

“I have requested our consultants to expedite the procedures,” Diaz said.

He also revealed he had a meeting last week with the representatives of Filipino business tycoon Enrique Razon.

Previously, Aboitiz InfraCapital made a proposal to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Benitez regarding the bulk water project of the provincial government.

The firm is willing to invest P2.8 billion in the project, which will take two to three years to complete.

They will submit their unsolicited proposal within this month.

Aside from Razon and Aboitiz, the Ayala group has also expressed interest in the project.

Diaz said they are eyeing to hold project bidding earlier than scheduled in July, adding that it will make Lacson happy.

“In the long run, the people of the local government units who will get water from our project will also be happy,” Lacson said./DGB, WDJ