LAGUNA, Philippines — The P103.43 million Lumbo Spring Bulk Water Supply project of the San Pablo City Water District (SPCWD) in Laguna and the Dolores Water District (DWD) in Quezon has attracted three prospective bidders, the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPP Center) said.

The submission of eligibility documents for the joint venture (JV) project was held last Jan. 14 at the SPCWD office.

Prospective bidders that submitted their eligibility documents for the proposal to finance, construct, operate and maintain the water PPP project were: Quellwasser Development Corp., Texin Inc., and Laguna AAAWater Corp. and Tubig Pilipinas Group Inc.

The Joint Venture Selection Committee (JVSC) is now conducting detailed evaluation of the documents.

All eligible and non-eligible bidders will be notified on Jan. 29.

The Lumbo Spring Bulk Water Supply Project involves the finance, construction, operation, and maintenance of a bulk water facility with the following components: source development, pipe-gap installation, provision of 6.9 kilometer transmission lines of Balanga spring source to San Pablo expansion area, and supply of 10,000 cubic meters per day to SPCWD and 2,000 cubic meters per day to DWD throughout the concession period.

This solicited JV project has 20 years of concession period. The project follows the procurement process pursuant to the Revised Guidelines and Procedures for Entering Into Joint Venture (JV) Agreements Between Government and Private Entities approved by the National Economic and Development Authority.

The water supply project will help improve the service delivery and address the increasing water supply demand brought about by rising population and booming tourism, industrial and commercial sectors in the areas.

The project cost includes the estimated capital expenditure of the private sector proponent amounting to P88.493 million based on 2019 prices, and the contribution of SPCWD and DWD amounting to P14. 938 million representing the initial cost of the pipe lines, valves and fittings.

This excludes the cost of land or project site donated for the project.

By Czeriza Valencia (The Philippine Star) – January 19, 2020 – 12:00am