The full restoration of electricity in southern Negros, which was devastated by Typhoon Odette, may take place after one month and a half, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday.
Lacson said that electric cooperatives in Iloilo and in northern and central Negros are now assisting the Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative in trying to repair the more than 200 main electrical posts toppled by strong winds during the onslaught of Odette, when south Negros and neighboring areas were placed under Signal No. 4.
But the governor said the full restoration of electricity in affected areas in northern and central Negros may happen within the week.
Lacson reported that only mountainous barangays of Calatrava and San Carlos City have not been reenergized yet by the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative, and upper areas covered by the Central Negros Electric Cooperative.
He added that the issue on the refusal of a landowner to allow linemen to enter a disputed property to repair toppled electric posts in southern Negros has already been resolved.
Estimated damage brought by typhoon Odette in Negros Occidental was placed by the provincial government at almost P6 billion, in terms of crops, livestock, and infrastructures.
Aside from the absence of electricity, Lacson said southern Negros residents need more food and potable water.
Lacson said the National Housing Authority is set to distribute P5,000 in financial assistance each to owners of damaged houses.
The provincial government will also use the P50 million allocated funds for the emergency purchase of construction materials for damaged homes.
By next year, owners of destroyed houses may also receive similar assistance, but in bigger amount, he added.
While there is an ongoing freeze in the prices of grocery items, the costs of generator sets and construction materials are increasing, he added.
Lacson said he is contemplating to issue a memorandum or an executive order to include other items under the price freeze, if it is possible, in consultation with the Provincial Legal Office and the Department of Trade and Industry. — GB
