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Saturday, August 06, 2005
Naga P15B coal-fired plants mulled in forum today
A decision on giving more importance to either the development of Naga or the health of its residents will be reached after today’s public consultation on the proposed two 100-megawatt (mw) coal-fired thermal power plants worth P15 billion.
Engineer Raul Estrel-loso, Salcon Power Corp.’s manager for administration, said they are optimistic that with the support of majority of the residents of Naga, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will give them a favorable environmental impact assessment (EIA) to operate the plant for 30 years, after today’s public hearing.
“After going around town, 100 percent approve of the plants and want to improve their quality of life,” he told reporters in Cebuano yesterday, adding that the proposed plants will generate more jobs for the residents.
Aside from the endorsement of 28 barangay captains composing the town’s Association of Barangay Councils, the heads of five barangays adjacent to Salcon’s power plant signed yesterday a resolution supporting the project, saying they believe it will avert the power shortage in 2008, create jobs and spur development.
Tangke Barangay Captain Maria Evelyn Car-dinas said the Nagkahi-usang Lumolupyo Palibot sa Salcon Complex (NLPSC) also signed an agreement to request the Naga Municipal Government and Salcon for capital and training for livelihood projects, such as the production of rags and gloves.
Groups opposing the coal-fired plants, on the other hand, held a vigil at the parish grounds last night and will march around the town today to signify their protest against the project.
They will also tie all over the town white ribbons, which symbolize their call for clean air, and will hold a rally in front of the Naga Sports Complex when the public hearing starts at 2 p.m. today.
Baseless
Cebu Alliance for Renewable Energy coordinator Mark Vincent Israel lamented the decision of local leaders and questioned their support for the project even before an EIA is even conducted.
“Without that study, what is the basis of the barangay captains? The endorsements are acts of irresponsibility,” Israel said.
He added that it is even questionable that a public hearing is held even before a test on the mercury content and toxicity levels of the blood and hair samples of the residents is conducted.
Estrelloso, in a talk with reporters, reiterated that the toxicity levels of the emissions from the plants, as tested by private laboratories accredited by the DENR, were way below the allowable level prescribed by DENR.
Crisis mode
As to questions on the need for more power sources to address a projected shortage three years from now, the Salcon official said that if the projections are not true, then it would mean their experts erred and the company’s investment is a losing one.
“Pero og naa’y power crisis, kinsa’y motubag sa mga tawo? Sila? (“But if there’s a power crisis, who will answer to the people? Them?)” he said, challenging those opposed to the proposed plants.
Estrelloso also said he is for renewable sources of energy but said such projects, being expensive, would require subsidies from the government. (CYR)
(August 6, 2005 issue)
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