By JEN BAYLON
The Negros Occidental provincial government has announced yet another postponement of the bidding for the bulk water supply project.
Originally scheduled for June 27 of this year, the project bidding was first moved to October 28 and is now set to take place on November 22.
This latest delay comes at the request of several consultants from the public-private partnership (PPP) sector and bidders seeking additional time to prepare for the bidding process.
“This is based on the request of the bidders because they want to formulate the best possible bid,” Provincial Legal Office head Alberto Nellas, Jr. said yesterday.
Currently, there are 12 potential bidders for the project, with more prospects possibly entering the bidding.
However, the number is more than enough for a PPP project, Nellas said.
He added that the bidding will be held either at the Capitol or at Negros Residences to accommodate all bidders.
Nellas clarified that the project is still on schedule.
The construction phase of the project will take about three years, he said.
Nellas added that the province had already been issued the Water Availability Certificate from the National Water Resources Board.
Meanwhile, the Silay City government is yet to issue its Resolution of No Objection (RONO) for the project.
The water sources of the project — the Malogo and Imbang rivers — pass through Silay City.
The provincial government still waits for RONO from the Silay City government, despite having their own water system, citing the benefits it will bring to residents in the city.
The P1.2-billion bulk water project aims to deliver a reliable and sustainable supply of clean water to the cities of Talisay, Silay and Victorias, as well as the municipalities of E.B. Magalona and Manapla, and capital Bacolod City.
The initiative is designed to provide 34.5 million liters of clean water per day to meet the increasing demand for potable water in the province.
The project is expected to benefit thousands of residents and ensure a steady supply of clean water for domestic and commercial use.
The provincial government remains committed to ensuring a successful bid process that meets the urgent needs of its communities./JB, WDJ