By JEN BAYLON
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has expressed readiness to address the concerns raised by the Silay City government regarding the provincial government’s bulk water supply project.
“We’re ready to answer those questions. That’s the status as of now, because they have not categorically said that ‘we will disapprove the request,’” Lacson said in an interview.
The Silay City government was concerned about the bulk water supply project’s potential impact on three barangays in the city.
The city council has yet to submit its Resolution of No Objection for the project.
However, Lacson said he is not aware of which barangays the council is referring to that will be affected by the project.
“I’m not sure if these barangays are part of that area where we’re supposed to source the water,” he said.
“At the end of the day, ma-benefit gihapon ang Silay, especially a growing community that really needs good, clean and safe water,” he added.
The Malogo River in Silay and the Imbang River in Talisay City have been identified as potential water sources for the P1.2 billion bulk water supply project.
The governor added that the project will not tap into the Bago River, despite its potential to provide sufficient water supply.
“We were looking at the Bago River. That’s a very big river. But the only reason we’re not tapping there is that it’s oversubscribed already. So we’re now in these areas [that are] unsubscribed,” he said.
Lacson earlier 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.
The bidding for the bulk water project will be on June 27.
“There were requests to extend it, but we’ve decided now we will push through with [the bidding],” Lacson confirmed.
Eleven private firms have already purchased pre-bid documents for the bulk water supply project.
The project aims to provide a reliable and sustainable supply of clean water in Negros Occidental cities of Talisay, Silay and Victorias, as well as the municipalities of E.B. Magalona and Manapla, and capital Bacolod City.
Last week, the Silay Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) was seeking clarification into the implications of the proposed bulk water supply project from its proponents.
Silay Vice Mayor Thomas Ledesma said the city council did not oppose the project, but rather needed clarification on the project’s certain aspects.
“We’re not against this. We just need to be clarified about this because this is a 38-year contract,” Ledesma said.
The SP also expressed concerns about the project’s potential effects on commercial establishments, factories and agricultural sectors in the city.
The council remains adamant that they will not endorse the P1.2 billion project without a thorough understanding of its implications./JB, WDJ