WET electric meters hamper power restoration in some flood-affected areas in the city, an official from Davao City Light and Power Corporation (DLPC) said.
DLPC Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Rodger Velasco in a media briefing yesterday said that they have only restored 32 percent of the 8,000 houses affected by the flood which occurred on the eve of December 22.
“We isolated these customers because the flooding reached roof high and beyond that. The meters are wet and of course the wirings inside their houses too, we have to protect the safety of our customers,” he said.
DLPC cannot force to distribute power if the lines are not yet dry.
“If we are push through on energizing it, it will cause more harm than good. It may cause electrocution or fire,” he said.
“We apologize to our customers for making them wait, customers have to clean electrical installations in their respective houses, all waters from their electrical lines, switches,” he added.
DLPC Vice President for Engineering Mark Valencia said that the 8,000 consumers are living in 21 areas- 20 are from Davao City, and one in Dujali, Davao del Norte.
“Out of 20 we are now working on 13 remaining areas. Basically we have Jade Valley, Julliville, Matina Gravahan, Bankerohan and others,” he said.
Valencia said that they have deployed their crew in these 13 remaining areas.
“As we proceed we estimate to install everything in Friday.
Velasco added that they have provided frees electrical service to quickly restore power.
He said that they also hired 100 electricians to replace electric meters destroyed by flood.
Davao City Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) Administrative Support Engineering in-charge Engineer Louie Manlangit said that drainage and demolition team are now prioritizing Jade Valley area and after there will transfer to Maa.
“We are asking for the people of the community to help, for everyone to help since the power can’t be switched back if there the drainage areas area not properly cleared,” he said.
Davao City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) Environment Management Section (EMS) in-charge Christopher B. Asibal said that these areas covered with flood waters are part of their daily cleaning schedule and they are making sure that the area are free from garbage.