• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) is moving to complete the removal of the remaining overhead electric distribution poles and facilities in Bacolod City by Oct. 31 this year as part of its push to make underground cabling a reality in the city.
Deputy Speaker Alfredo Abelardo Benitez welcomed the initiative, saying it would finally address Bacolod’s long-standing problem of tangled overhead utility wires, popularly referred to as “spaghetti wires.”
“Finally, madula na gid man ang spaghetti wires sa Bacolod (Finally, the spaghetti wires in Bacolod will truly be gone),” Benitez said, thanking Negros Power for its commitment to removing overhead electric cable wires.
He added that Bacolod City fully supports the power distributor’s efforts to implement an underground distribution system, which he said would improve the city’s skyline while protecting critical power and communication lines from heavy typhoons and other climate-related disasters.
In a letter addressed to Benitez, Negros Power president and chief executive officer Roel Castro said the company is seeking the support and coordination of the Bacolod congressional district and other stakeholders for the removal of its remaining overhead distribution poles and related facilities.
Castro said the company intends to complete the removal on or before Oct. 31, in accordance with City Ordinance No. 1099, which establishes underground cabling in the city and provides guidelines for its implementation.
The scheduled removal will cover Negros Power’s remaining overhead distribution assets along Lacson St., including portions of 14th St. and 7th St. and the corresponding segment of B.S. Aquino Drive.
Negros Power requested coordination with city and district offices and other concerned stakeholders for the necessary permits, traffic management measures, and the removal or relocation of affected facilities.
The company also asked concerned departments to coordinate with its representatives on work schedules, affected locations, required clearances and safety measures to ensure that the removal activities are carried out efficiently and with minimal disruption to the public.
Castro said the underground distribution system project is intended to enhance public safety, improve traffic and streetscape conditions, and support the organized development of Bacolod’s utility infrastructure.
Negros Power said it remains committed to completing the project through coordination with the city government, the congressional district and other stakeholders, as it works to provide safer, more reliable and resilient electric distribution services. | GPB
