Napocor to bid out Palawan transmission line project

MANILA, Philippines - State-run National Power Corp. (Napocor) is set to bid out in April the contract for the construction of the remaining portion of a transmission line project connecting the cities of Puerto Princesa and Roxas in Palawan.

The project seeks to complete the construction of the remaining five kilometers of the 111-kilometer line, derailed in 2007 due to right-of-way issues.

Napocor and a private landowner have agreed on a proposed re-routing, paving the way for the resumption of the project.

Under the project, Napocor would replace two constructed transmission towers with four pole structures, estimated at P30 million including other works such as right of way clearing, cutting of mangroves, tightening bolts and replacing pilfered materials.             

After seven years of disagreement and a court case, Napocor president Ma. Gladys Cruz-Sta. Rita initiated a meeting with the former landowner to help the project move forward.

The meeting resulted in the agreement for a win-win solution that is the re-routing scheme, the Napocor president said.

“We are looking into long stand-off projects of Napocor to come up with acceptable arrangement with parties involved to be able to promote a more reliable supply of electricity to missionary areas,” she said.

Puerto Princesa and Roxas have independent grids to supply their residents with electricity. Through the connecting transmission line, an even better supply is guaranteed.

Aside from Palawan, Napocor is also responsible for the transmission system of five other provinces: Catanduanes, Mindoro Oriental, Mindoro Occidental, Masbate and Marinduque.