Lacson backs Matab-ang water project
BACOLOD CITY: Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson of Negros Occidental backed the proposal for the Bacolod city government to tap the Matab-ang River in Talisay City to address its need for more water source.
“Bacolod is in a water crisis, hence, they would need immediate solutions,” Lacson told The Manila Times.
He said that the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) “needs a lot of water in the future, as well as in the present.”
The governor gave assurances that the plan “will not have any adverse effect on our Bulk Water Project.”
“The provincial bulk water project is a long term solution for Bacolod’s water problems,” he pointed out.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez said that a private group has expressed interest in constructing the Matab-ang River water supply and filtration facility that is expected to draw 20 million liters per day of water to be delivered to Baciwa.
“We are waiting for them to submit their letter of intent,” Benitez said.
The mayor said the project by the city government will fast track the delivery of water and meet the demand of water consumers.
The Matab-ang River project will be financed by the city’s disaster risk reduction management office.
The P1.2-billion Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project (NBWSP) will be implemented through a public-private partnership.
The NBWSP involves the financing, engineering design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a bulk water supply system with a minimum capacity of 34.5 million liters per day to be sourced from Imbang River and Malogo River.
The project expects to supply treated bulk water to six water service providers -- Bacolod City Water District, Silay City Water District, Talisay City Water District, Victorias City Water District, Manapla Water District, and the local government unit of EB Magalona.
Its implementation is through a contractual joint venture with the provincial government for 38 years, including a construction period of three years.
Lacson said 11 companies have signified intentions to bid for the bulk water supply project. The bidding is scheduled in June 2024.