State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it will relaunch the bidding process for the water project in New Clark City to secure a consistent and sustainable water source for the business hub and township project.
“We’re going back to the drawing board on the water project. Prime Water’s decision to back out underscores the need to find a solution that works for both the developer and New Clark City in the long term,” said BCDA chairman Delfin Lorenzana at the sidelines of the signing of a lease contract between techno hub locator Narra Technological Park and the provincial government of Tarlac.
Lorenzana identified the lack of established businesses as a key factor why the consortium led by Prime Water Infrastructure Corp. decided to withdraw from the project.
“There just aren’t enough locators yet to make the project commercially attractive at this point. This is why ‘economies of scale’ is such a crucial consideration,” he said.
Filinvest Development Corp., a Philippine developer known for its large-scale, sustainable projects, is currently providing temporary water supply from underground sources, but the long-term goal is to develop a more permanent and sustainable solution, said Lorenzana.
Leasing a property within the NCC for its industrial park complex, Filinvest was pressed to look for sources of water to serve the needs of its locators.
“Tarlac Governor Susan Yap offered us to harness a big river in Tarlac from where to source the water needs of NCC. We need to have a reliable source to move forward,” said the BCDA chairman.
The BCDA is actively searching for alternative water sources and potential bidders with the capacity to fulfill New Clark City’s bulk water requirements, he said.
Lorenzana said the project’s success would be crucial in attracting a wider range of businesses, particularly those interested in establishing within the eco-friendly and innovative township.
The Prime Water-led consortium submitted the lowest bid of P9.45 per cubic meter for the NCC bulk water project in 2018.
