Placing aerial wires below the ground

TO ENSURE public safety against hazards posed by aerial power lines, wires, cables and cords, Cebu City Councilor Jerry Guardo is pushing for an ordinance to have these transferred underground.

Guardo, as chairman of the committee on infrastructure, stated in his proposal that it is the duty of the government to protect the public from leaning electrical posts and dangling wires. He said there is a need to have these placed underground to make these less susceptible to the impact of natural calamities.

The councilor wants to start implementation at the South Road Properties (SRP), starting from the viaduct to the Cebu South Coastal Road bridge, near the boundary of Cebu City and Taisay City.

Guardo said the measure seeks to make it mandatory for electric, telecommunications, television and cable entities to install their lines and cables underground.

The measure will not only protect the public from possible dangers, but it will keep the firms’ properties from getting damaged during natural calamities.

“In order to protect these power lines/wires, cable and cords from damage during natural calamities and thus prevent or minimize blackouts, interruptions and make it natural calamity-resistant, the use of underground lines and cables will prove to be safe and reliable,” a part of the resolution reads.

As this may require excavations, all lot and building owners in the affected area should provide service entrance compatible for underground electrical, cables and wires.

If approved, all aerial wires, cables and poles shall have been removed and streets and passageways that will be excavated shall have been properly restored to their original state six months after the ordinance takes effect.

The City Council has referred the ordinance to the committee on laws. (JJL)