Gov. Gwen Garcia has initiated talks with potential investors for the Provincial Government’s water and waste-to-energy (WTE) projects.
The governor met with Farchad Kaviani, managing director for Southeast Asia for Suez Group, a company based in Paris, France engaged in water and waste management solutions.
He was also accompanied by representatives from Infrastructure Asia, a project facilitation office that enables good-fit solutions from companies based in Singapore in addressable infrastructure needs in Asia.
The WTE project in particular has been on the planning books for some time, and Capitol has been looking to partner with a reputable firm that could accelerate its realization.
Capitol has also embarked on a multi-billion bulk water infrastructure project in at least 25 local government units across the province. Now, it is looking for a private partner to manage these bulk water projects moving forward.
Monday’s meeting is looking to be a prelude to what could be another landmark public-private partnership between Capitol and these private firms.
“You can talk business with this government,” Gov. Garcia said during the meeting, assuring that she means business when dealing with potential investors in the province.
Suez Group presented its business models and expertise during the meeting as it hopes to partner with the Provincial Government in their fields of expertise.
This is not first time the Capitol has pursued projects with the private sector as evidenced by existing joint ventures with companies such as Filinvest Land for the construction and operation of a four-tower BPO Complex at the Cebu IT Park; and Manila Water for water treatment and distribution of 35 million liters of water daily from Carmen town to Metro Cebu areas.
Soon enough, the Capitol is also set to sign a joint venture contact with Spain-based firm Acciona Energia to build a 150-megawatt solar power plant in Daanbantayan town.
In an interview after their meeting, Kaviani said he was impressed with the governor’s keen interest in engaging with investors, adding that they will submit their unsolicited proposals to the Provincial Government on the said projects. | Carlo Lorenciana