• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has called for a coordinated response between the Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power), city government, and barangay officials to accelerate clearing and cleanup operations and pave the way for faster power restoration.
This, as the lawmaker expressed serious concern over the prolonged power outages in the service area of Negros Power.
Benitez, who convened a meeting with Negros Power officials led by president and chief executive officer Roel Castro on Tuesday, noted that thousands of households were affected by the massive brownouts since Nov. 4.
“We need to work together so that the areas with heavy obstructions can be prioritized for immediate power restoration,” Benitez said.
Negros Power has requested assistance from the city government and the barangays in clearing the remaining 73 areas with vegetation obstruction, and 12 other physical obstruction, which it said hampered the full power restoration.
Benitez appealed to Negros Power to fasttrack the restoration of electricity, emphasizing that residents continue to suffer amid the delay.
“We are all working together, my office, the city government, and the barangays to bring Bacolod back on its feet as quickly as possible. Our people deserve immediate relief and the restoration of basic services, especially power,” he said.
Meanwhile, Benitez announced the deployment of 2,700 workers to augment the ongoing declogging and cleanup drive of canals, drainage systems, and waterways in the city for 10 days, starting Nov. 21. | GB
