THE Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) management yesterday said that the solar system that will generate power for the facility will start before the end of the year.

The system is aimed at minimizing the terminal’s dependence on Visayan Electric Company (Veco).

CSBT Manager Joey Herrera said the system is worth P1.9 million and its generation is enough to provide electricity to the entire terminal.

“I think there is already a winning bidder and I hope a notice to proceed will be issued soon,” Herrera told the media in a press conference.

Earlier, Department of Energy (DOE) Visayas Director Antonio Labios said that owners can use first the power generated by solar before using Veco supply if it needs more.

Herrera said the terminal management wants to produce enough power so they will no longer use power from Veco.

They also bought P2.5 million worth of generators and P2.9 million worth of information display system for the convenience of passengers.

“We have to improve the services at the terminal,” Herrera said.

Cebu Provincial Budget Officer Danilo Rodas said that CSBT had a 2017 annual budget of P43 million, and hopefully it will have the same budget for 2018.

Rodas said the P43 million includes personnel salaries (PS), maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) like travel and allowance and office supplies; and capital outlay like solar equipment and generators.

Rodas said any additional fund will be in a form of supplemental budget. (EOB)