By CESAR JOLITO III

The Negros Occidental provincial government will finance its P1.1-billion bulk water supply project using its own savings, abandoning the earlier public-private partnership (PPP) scheme after negotiations collapsed over high water tariffs.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II confirmed yesterday that the bulk water project’s first tranche, amounting to P520 million, has already been approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Phase 1 will cover the construction of facilities from the water intake point to a bulk water treatment plant on a one-hectare lot in Silay City’s Barangay Guimbalaon.

The bidding for Phase 1 is expected in October, with Phase 2 — budgeted at P600 million — targeted for next year.

This second stage will install conveyance pipes from the treatment facility to the cities of Silay and Talisay, E.B. Magalona town, and capital Bacolod City.

The switch to self-funding followed the failed PPP bidding, which drew only one bidder whose proposed water tariff of P24 per cubic meter was rejected.

The province is aiming for a P14-per-cubic-meter rate, which Diaz said is achievable if the government shoulders the investment.

Officials are seeking Silay City’s “no objection” resolution and the reclassification of the project site.

Once operational, the bulk water supply project is expected to draw 34.5 million liters of water daily from the Malogo and Imbang rivers to supply multiple cities and towns.

“We are hoping and praying they see the importance of the project in the lives of their people,” Diaz said.

The project aims to address ongoing potable water shortages in Negros Occidental by developing surface water sources from the Imbang and Malogo Rivers, reducing reliance on rapidly depleting groundwater resources./CJ, WDJ