CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama believed that the transformers and switch gears to be installed at the sidewalk along Osmeña Boulevard for its underground electric wiring will cause more harm to pedestrian than betterment.
With this, Rama wants the Visayan Electric Cooperative (VECO) to temporarily stop its implementation, which is part of beautification project of Beautiful Cebu Movement Foundation Inc. (BCMFI).
The BCMFI is composed of businessmen in Cebu and is responsible for the beautification and restoration of the sidewalk from the Capitol to Osmeña Boulevard that cost millions with no expense on the part of the city government.
Unless resolved with VECO and the movement's key point persons, Rama wanted to defer the installation of the transformers and switch gears.
"I do not have anything against the project. This is to beautify Cebu City. But let us also take into consideration public safety. Chances are, these transformers and switch gears may bring harm than betterment," the mayor told reporters.
His major concern is the apparatus blocking the pedestrian's way along the sidewalk.
"Daghan kaayong pwedeng muabusar ana. Pwede na gamiton sa mga street dwellers, ihian sa mga pataka lang ug pangihi, labayan ug basura ang kilid, or pwede pa gani taguan sa mga mangatang nga manulis or mangdunggab simbako," Rama further explained.
The re-elected mayor personally inspected the site near the Provincial Capitol together with two engineers from VECO and another two from Cebu Business Park.
Rama first went to IT Park and Cebu Business Park to have a comparative view on the pioneered underground wiring project by its developer, Cebu Holdings Inc.
Then, he talked to the engineers to enlighten him on how they installed the transformers away from walking public.
The VECO engineers joined the group in Osmeña Boulevard, the portion near the Provincial Capitol and explained to the mayor their plans for the project.
But Rama was firm in pointing out that things have to be clarified first before proceeding with the installation.
A few days ago, VECO started to fence some portions of the sidewalk where the transformers and switch gears will be installed to support the underground electric wiring.
These were removed yesterday.
"Padmount transformers are ubiquitous wherever underground networks are used worldwide. Currently, VECO has not yet installed any of these. However, when we start our underground distribution system project, we will install padmount transformers. When we do, we can enter into a memorandum of agreement with barangay officials for them to help secure the assets that supply power to their areas," VECO spokesperson Teresa Ganzo said.
She added that project stakeholders are arranging a meeting with the mayor "to iron out issues."
The BCMFI endorsed yesterday the Osmeña Boulevard Underground Distribution System Project of the Visayan Electric Company Incorporated.
BCMFI chairperson Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung said that this project complements their Osmeña Boulevard Restoration and Beautification Project.
"BCMFI lauds VECO for such admirable project which further beautifies Osmeña Boulevard and making it a world class alley," Yeung said.
Sebastian Lacson, VECO senior vice president and chief operating officer said that this project cost around P80 million that will out VECO's existing electrical wires underground from Capitol to Osmeña Boulevard.
Lacson said that they expect to start this project as soon as possible as they targeted to finish it by December of this year.
The Visayan Electric Company Incorporated donated 7,200 meters of copper wire worth around P267,000 in support for the beautification project of the BCMFI.
A turnover ceremony was done yesterday and VECO stated that the donation is for and in consideration of the desire to contribute a share for a cause of the welfare of Cebuanos.
It added that VECO extended their help to the BCMFI in the implementation of the Osmeña Boulevard Beautification and Restoration Project from Capitol to Sanciangko Street, Cebu City as their way in helping beautifying the city.
VECO will be celebrating its 100 years in doing business in the city.
Yeung is grateful for VECO's support to their beautification project.
Yeung also made an appeal to the entire Cebuano community to help them and the government clean the city.
"My heart is bleeding to see people throwing away their thrash anywhere. The public should and must cooperate in order to keep our city clean. Di ni mahimo nga kami lang ug ang government," Yeung challenged. — (FREEMAN)
.
Rama stops VECO's underground wiring project
Reply With Quote
Posting Permissions
