ASIDE from being an eyesore, old wooden utility poles and posts around Cebu City also pose a danger to the public.
This prompted City Councilor Jerry Guardo to come up with a proposed ordinance to require all public and private utilities to phase out old and dilapidated wooden poles and posts and replace these with new ones made of concrete and metal.
The utilities will have three years to remove these from major thoroughfares, while those located on major intersections should be removed within two years after the ordinance takes effect.
According to Guardo’s proposal, if they can’t observe a “one-pole policy,” they must submit a written and detailed planning on their failure to comply.
The utilities will be charged P100 for every post that will not be replaced.
An individual who will modify or remove cable wires used to support overhead utility posts without written authority from the utility company may face imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding P5,000.
In removing and installing new poles and posts, work shall be undertaken between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
The owner of a property taken or destroyed by the utility company in the implementation of this project must be compensated. Both parties will have to agree on the amount.
Guardo said the ordinance is in accordance with City Ordinance 1894, or an ordinance Creating the Utility Lines Installation Coordinating Committee as a Sub-committee of the Existing Technical Infrastructure Committee Provided in City Ordinance 1618.
“This unsightly and indiscriminate manner of utility lines installations has resulted in a so-called ‘spaghetti wires’ and, as such, has degraded the fine image of City of Cebu as a livable and sustainable city,” a part of the ordinance reads.
The City Council has referred the proposed ordinance to the committee on laws for further review. (JJL)