BACOLOD City Councilor Al Victor Espino urged the City Engineer's Office to install streetlights on all local and barangay roads that do not have one and to replace streetlights that no longer function.
Espino, chairperson of the City Council committee on police matters, said the streetlights not only provide security to people but also to drivers, as accidents can be prevented if the streets are well lighted with streetlights.
He said roads that are not illuminated compromise the safety and comfort of road users, riding public, and constituents of Bacolod City.
"The installation of streetlights can also be considered as a measure to prevent crimes as criminals are usually hesitant to commit crimes on area that are well lighted because they can be easily identified or recognized," he added.
Espino noted that Section 16 of the Republic Act (RA) No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, provides that every local government unit shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare.
Espino disclosed that the installation of streetlights to both local and barangay roads benefits the general welfare of the City of Bacolod as one of the ways to prevent or ease crimes and accidents in the city.