Mandaue to shift to underground power cables

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City Council aims to get rid of electric posts and cable wires all over the city by compelling telecommunications companies to install their cables underground.

"It has been observed that there are numerous leaning electrical posts with sagging or spaghetti wires left unattended and scattered in various streets and major thoroughfares in the city," according to the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities report to the city council.

City Councilor Malcolm Sanchez raised before the city council that there are several leaning post with sagging aerial wires located along the intersection of A. del Rosario and Conrado D. Seno Streets.

Sanchez also said there are wire installations along B. Ceniza Street that look like they could be a danger to pedestrians.

The committee, which is chaired by Councilor Elstone Dabon, "recognizes the need to swiftly address the growing concern on leaning posts."

According to Dabon, the Visayan Electric Company (VECO) was already informed about the situation of electric posts in the city.

So far, the council is waiting for the response of VECO.

Also, the committee is recommending for the possibility of taxing utility companies where the electric posts are installed on properties owned by the Mandaue city government.

Vice Mayor Carlo Pontico Fortuna, the council presiding officer, said the matter will be referred to City Treasurer Regal Oliva to get her opinion.

Fortuna also said they already requested VECO to provide the council with their plans and the feasibility of ground cabling. (FREEMAN)