• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Owners of buildings and residential houses in Bacolod City’s commercial areas may soon be asked to allow the attachment of utility wires and the installation of cable entrance facilities on their properties to reduce the need for additional utility poles along roads.
The proposed ordinance, approved on first reading by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, noted that the installation of utility poles, posts, and other supporting structures along public roads and sidewalks may, in certain circumstances, result in obstruction, congestion, visual clutter, and potential hazards to pedestrians, motorists, businesses, and the general public.
Proponent councilors Bobby Rojas and Psyche Marie Sy said that to reduce the unnecessary proliferation of poles and other structures along public roads and thoroughfares, suitable commercial buildings and houses could be used instead.
The attachment of utility wires, cables, and related facilities to buildings or houses must not compromise the structural integrity of the edifice, create danger to persons or property, or violate the National Building Code, the Philippine Electrical Code, applicable telecommunications regulations, fire safety regulations, and other pertinent laws and regulations, the proposal stressed.
Per Section 4 of the proposed ordinance, or the mandatory allowance for utility wire, cable, and cable entrance facility, the owner, lessee, occupant, administrator, or person in charge of the covered commercial building or residential house located in a commercial area shall allow the proper and safe attachment, maintenance, repair, replacement, relocation, and removal of electrical wires, telecommunications and internet cables, and other utility wires to or on portions of the structure reasonably suitable for such purpose.
The concerned utility provider shall be primarily responsible for ensuring that all installations are properly designed and installed, pay for the expenses of the installation undertaken by qualified personnel, properly supported and secured, regularly inspected and maintained, compliant with applicable technical and safety standards, and removed when abandoned, obsolete, or no longer necessary, it added. | CGC
