By JEN BAYLON
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the provincial government’s bulk water supply project will proceed amid opposition from several groups over the proposal to tap the Malogo River in Silay City as a water source.
“Of course, we will do everything possible to make it happen, especially for our bidding for the bulk water supply,” Lacson said.
“We cannot depend on underground water anymore. That’s why let us make use of our surface water, and these two rivers are really good sources,” he said.
The Malogo River, as well as the Imbang River in Talisay City, have been identified as potential sources of water for the P1.2 billion bulk water supply project.
Lacson said that tapping into surface water is necessary due to the declining underground water supply, based on the results of a scientific study conducted by the provincial government.
Earlier, Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego said that some groups of local farmers in the locality expressed their opposition to the provincial government’s plan of tapping the Malogo River as a source for the bulk water supply project.
Gallego said the group is not in favor of utilizing the river, citing concerns that it may affect their water supply needs.
“We cannot compromise the interests of our local planters and farmers who rely on these rivers for their livelihood,” Gallego said in an interview.
“We need to prioritize their needs and ensure that their water supply is not affected by this project,” he added.
The bulk water supply project aims to address Negros Occidental’s increasing water demands by developing surface water to provide potable, sustainable and resilient supply, while reducing dependence on groundwater wells.
Based on the project’s background, the availability of groundwater in the province is only eight percent, which needs to utilize other water sources, including surface water resources with 92 percent availability.
The project will serve Negros Occidental cities of Talisay, Silay and Victorias, as well as the municipalities of E.B. Magalona and Manapla, and capital Bacolod City./JB, WDJ