By CESAR JOLITO III
Community resistance to the Negros Occidental provincial government’s proposed bulk water supply project remains firm, as residents in Silay City reiterated serious doubts about the plan’s feasibility and long-term impact despite an extensive public hearing held last week.
Silay Vice Mayor Tom Ledesma said the discussions revealed a “consistent and deeply rooted” opposition from Silaynons, noting that the issues raised were based on lived realities rather than speculation.
“While the project promises expanded access to treated water, many believe the risks outweigh the benefits,” Ledesma said.
“Residents highlighted genuine concerns — from water scarcity at the source to long-term environmental threats,” he added.
The hearing — jointly convened by the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committees on Environment and Natural Resources and on Utilities — drew more than 100 attendees, including farmers, barangay leaders, environmental groups, and both upstream and downstream residents.
The project’s technical working group also presented its engineering and operational framework.
At the center of the debate was Barangay Guimbala-on, the proposed source of supply.
Community members submitted testimonies and local data showing the area already grapples with inadequate household water supply — even during the rainy months — and experiences severe shortages during the dry season.
The residents argued that diverting water to serve a wider population would further strain an already fragile resource.
Other objections included projected increases in water tariffs, potential disruptions to agricultural production, and possible ecological damage to upland watersheds that support Silay’s farms and downstream communities.
The Silay project forms part of a broader provincial initiative under the P1.2-billion bulk water supply, which seeks to tap surface water from the Imbang and Malogo Rivers to reduce dependence on declining groundwater sources.
Similar bulk water components are being developed for the cities of Bacolod, Talisay and Victorias, with one already operational in Bago City.
Proponents argue that bulk water systems are essential to addressing worsening water shortages and are key to improving supply reliability over the next four decades.
The planned joint-venture operation model would span 38 years.
However, after the strong turnout and extensive feedback, committee officials confirmed that a second public hearing will be held within 30 days to gather input from sectors not present in the first session, including small businesses and far-flung barangays.
The Silay City council will only begin formal deliberations once all stakeholder sectors have been heard.
In November, the provincial government appeared before the city council to push for the approval of its landmark bulk water supply project, a multi-billion-peso initiative meant to secure the province’s long-term water supply amid mounting threats of scarcity.
The session marked the third appearance of the project proponents before the Sangguniang Panlungsod as the province seeks a Resolution of No Objection from Silay, a prerequisite before construction can proceed.
The provincial government maintained that the project is a “collaborative solution” rather than an imposition, assuring Silay leaders that the province remains open to refining plans based on community feedback./CJ, WDJ