INVESTORS EYE SUSTAINABLE WATER SUPPLY FOR BOHOL DURING FORUM

By: EDCOM

Stakeholders and investors affirmed viability of the Bohol Bulk Water and Sanitation Project.

This was revealed in an interim report to Gov. Edgar Chatto on the feasibility study being conducted by project consultant Engineering and Development Corporation of the Philippines (EDCOP).

A two-day market sounding activity was held here in the province, EDCOP and the Provincial Planning Office sat with local chief executives, municipal planning officers and engineers of a total of 18 municipalities, as well as major water system developers in a stakeholders forum and an investors forum, respectively, as a component of the feasibility study.

Presented during both market sounding activities were demand and market scenarios, development schemes, and possible modalities for the long-term supply project for bulk water, in which EDCOP said stakeholders and investors expressed positive interest for the realization of the project, where EDCOP said discussions and interactions focusing more on actual scenarios for implementation and operation.

A total of 18 local government units, including the initial 15 towns of Albur, Antequera, Baclayon, Balilihan, Catigbian, Cortes, Dauis, Lila, Loay, Loboc, Loon, Maribojoc, Panglao, San Isidro, Sevilla, and 3 additional LGUs of Corella, Sikatuna, and Tagbilaran will be serviced in the development schemes presented.

Balibago Waterworks System, Filinvest Countrywide Services Inc, Manila Water Company Inc, Maynilad Water Services Inc, Pilipinas Water, Prime Water Infrastructure, Salcon Construction, and JV Angeles Construction Corporation were among major players in bulk water system who attended the investors’ forum.

In an initial market survey conducted by the study team, 93% of responders were in favor of the project and are willing to cooperate should the project push through.

Addressing local leaders and heads of offices during the stakeholders’ forum, Chatto stated the bulk water and sanitation project is one of foundations being laid out for Bohol’s development.

The governor stressed the importance of providing access to quality and adequate water as an essential component of the social aspect of development.

Earlier this week, an investors’ forum was also held for the power sector. Ultimately, Chatto said Bohol’s development will be defined by the quality of life and improved standards of living of Boholanos, laying in place government interventions for roads, telecommunications, and access through sea and air ports to facilitate economic development not only through tourism but also investment.

The conduct of the bulk water and sanitation project feasibility study is under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Advancing Philippine Competitiveness (COMPETE) Project.