By CESAR JOLITO III
Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego has firmly opposed the Negros Occidental provincial government’s plan to source water from the Imbang and Hinalinan Rivers for its bulk water project, citing threats to local communities already vulnerable to shortages during dry spells.
Gallego said the Malogo River should instead be considered as an alternative water source, stressing its sufficient volume to support large-scale distribution without endangering Silay’s supply.
He recalled how last year’s El Niño phenomenon nearly dried up wells in Barangay Guimbala-on, with water levels in the river system dropping to critical levels.
Gallego warned that extracting water from Imbang and Hinalinan would worsen the situation for households, livestock raisers, fisherfolk, and farmers dependent on the river system.
“We have already experienced how difficult it is when water runs scarce. Let us not allow history to repeat itself,” Gallego said.
The provincial government earlier assured that the bulk water project will help address the growing demand for a reliable water supply across Negros Occidental.
However, Gallego maintained that development should not come at the expense of Silay residents’ basic needs.
‘Enough to share’
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the Imbang River has dependable water flow that is enough to share with other parts of Negros Occidental.
Diaz’s statement came after Gallego was still not in favor of issuing a Resolution of No Objection for the bulk water supply project as requested by the provincial government.
Diaz said what the Capitol is asking is “excess water” that is not consumed by the people.
Meanwhile, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is willing to continue dialogue with Silay City government officials, as he believes the project will ensure long-term water security for Silay and neighboring localities.
The provincial government has offered to provide Silay with a specified amount of water daily from the harvested resources, but Gallego remains firm in his opposition.
“We are even offering Silay to tell us how much water they need on a daily basis, and then we will provide them with whatever we can harvest,” Lacson said.
“Unfortunately, the administration of Silay feels that it’s not worth it,” he added./CJ, WDJ