BACOLOD CITY: A bulk water project of the provincial government of Negros Occidental will be implemented through a joint venture agreement (JVA), Rayfrando Diaz, provincial administrator, said.
Diaz also said the total project cost was pegged at P1.2 billion. The provincial government will shell out P100 million as its own equity to help lower the tariff rates for the five local government units that will avail of the water supply.
The bulk water project was originally proposed as a public-private partnership scheme but Diaz said they decided to have it under a JVA as “it is faster with a more relaxed regulatory requirement.”
He added that the project has four interested investors — Aboitiz InfraCapital, Suez Water Technologies, Manila Water and San Miguel Corp.
Water districts from the cities of Talisay, Silay and Victorias, and those from the towns of EB Magalona and Manapla have committed to join the project that will tap water from the Malogo and Embang Rivers, Diaz said.
Baciwa/Prime Water, which earlier indicated interest to join the bulk water project, has not submitted a letter of intent.
All the documents needed for investors forum and for the procurement process are being readied in time for the forum, Diaz said.
On Monday June 19, 2023, consultants from the Asian Development Bank and the Public-Private Partnership Center presented the feasibility studies on the bulk water project before Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.
The governor expressed optimism that the project will be a success and gave it a go, Diaz said.
After the investors forum in July, he also said, the bidding process will start in August.
The evaluation and awarding will be from August to November, Diaz added.
