The Negros Occidental provincial government will open the bidding process again for its P1.2 billion bulk water supply project.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the water rates proposed by the lone bidder at P24 per cubic meter have become too expensive for the water districts.

The provincial government plans to increase its share or equity from the initial P200 million, then ask the bidders to reduce the water rates.

The P1.2 billion bulk water supply project aims to produce an additional 40 million liters per day (MLD) of water.

The project aims to supply treated bulk water to six water service providers in the cities of Silay, Talisay and Victorias; the municipalities of Manapla and E.B. Magalona, as well as capital Bacolod City.

The bulk water supply project will involve engineering design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a water supply system with a minimum capacity of 34.5 MLD, sourced from the Imbang and Malogo Rivers.

Lacson added that water security remains his administration’s concern in his last term.

The winning bidder of the project was the consortium of First Balfour Inc.; its local partner is Victorias Milling Company./WDJ