• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said Nov. 13 that joint clearing operations continue in full swing across the highly-urbanized city more than a week after Typhoon Tino.
“With the force of 23 clearing teams equipped with 20 dump trucks, six pay loaders, two boom trucks, and three backhoe loaders from the city and our volunteer-partners, our joint clearing operations in assistance to Negros Power continue in full swing,” he said in a statement.
He added that per updates from telecommunication companies yesterday, Globe reported a 94 percent restoration of their cell sites, while Smart logged an 88 percent accomplishment, with the remaining 12 percent pending restoration, primarily due to fiber breaks caused by downed poles in affected areas.
“We’re keeping the momentum going as our joint clearing operations continue with Negros Power, PLDT, Smart, and Globe. Efforts focus on assisting Negros Power in removing vegetation and obstructions in sites they identified to fast-track the restoration of power and connectivity,” the mayor stressed. “Hoping, praying, and working towards the return of normalcy in our city in the aftermath of the recent typhoons.”
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod has asked Negros Power, Baciwa-PrimeWater, and the telcos to immediately restore electricity and water supply, as well as the communication services disrupted by the recent typhoons, and to ensure timely and transparent updates on their restoration efforts.
“Access to electricity, clean water, and communication is a fundamental necessity for the daily living, health, and safety of Bacolodnons, particularly in the aftermath of disasters when timely information and coordination are crucial,” the resolution, authored by Councilor Celia Matea Flor, and unanimously approved by the SP Nov. 12, stressed.
“(There is) urgent need for the immediate coordination and accountability among all utility providers to restore normalcy and ensure that the needs of the public are met promptly and transparently,” it added, noting that the ongoing disruptions have caused grave inconvenience and hardship to households, hospitals, schools, and local businesses, hampering recovery efforts and the delivery of essential goods and services. | CGC
