By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental provincial government and a private company will enter into a joint venture agreement (JVA) for the bulk water project envisioned to be implemented later this year.

Provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said Governor Eugenio Lacson has given the go signal for the project.

The procurement process will commence from August to November of this year.

Based on the recommendation from provincial consultants, the project’s initial cost is P1.2 billion from the private sector, and P100 million from the provincial government.

Diaz mentioned the province’s investment in the project will lead to a reduction in tariff rates per cubic meter of water and ensure the province has a position on the JVA board of directors.

The sources of bulk water, specifically the Imbang River in Silay City and the Malogo River in E.B. Magalona town, will provide clean water supply to six local government units.

Furthermore, he said the JVA will expedite the processing of regulatory requirements.

Last week, Diaz said there are four companies which expressed interest in investing in the proposed bulk water project under a public-private partnership scheme.

These are San Miguel Corporation, Aboitiz InfraCapital, owned by billionaire tycoon Enrique Razon, and an unnamed firm./DGB, WDJ