Power poles clearing completed by Sunday
THE electric posts of the Davao Light Power Corporation (DLPC) in Mahayag, Davao City currently in the middle of the road after the road-widening project of the Department of Public Welfare and Highways 11 (DPWH 11) are being relocated and are targeted to be finished by Sunday, July 8.
In an online interview with DLPC Assistant Vice President on Reputation Enhancement Department Rossano C. Luga, he said the relocation of their electric poles is an ongoing project that started last Monday, July 2. He said that by July 8 all the remaining poles that are considered critical will be cleared from the area.
“We have already relocated 10 structures of 69 kV 75-footer steel poles, which are considered critical, hence the priority for now,” Luga said.
He added that when they remove lines and poles, the process usually
involves a scheduled power interruption to facilitate removal of the existing lines and poles and to power up the new lines.
“DPWH has been implementing several road widening projects in our franchise area that when finished leave utility poles inside the widened road. We acknowledge the concern on public safety especially for the motorists and passengers. Safety of the public is of paramount concern to us. We try to be proactive through constant and close coordination with the DPWH on its road widening projects. We are exerting best efforts to keep up with the increasing number of poles falling into this situation. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience,” he said.
He added that they could not immediately remove the electric poles inside the road as they would need the roadwidening project of DPWH to be finished first. DLPC also considers other joint pole users like telecoms and cable companies who have to remove their cables and equipment as well.
On top of all these considerations, Luga also said the relocation of their poles needs time to be studied and planned as it affects several stakeholders such as electric consumers, the DPWH, other pole users and utilities, and the people in charge of traffic management among others.
He also said the process takes about half a year for the ordering until final delivery of their distribution equipment including lines, poles, transformers, and other accessories.