SP Highlights: For safer roads and stronger economy

The City of Naga is growing fast. Businesses are thriving. Also, the quality of life of our people is improving tremendously that many are now able to afford to buy their own motor vehicles. These are good news. However, on the other side of the coin of progress, there can be a consequent problem of traffic congestion if the government sits idly and does not act to widen our roads and accommodate the increasing volume of cars and means of transportation. Obstacles in the middle or along the roads should also be removed so as to ensure that the streets are really devoted to their use and are utilized at their maximum. With this, the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga deemed it appropriate to enact Resolution No. 2017-557 that creates an oversight committee for monitoring the relocation of distribution and sub-transmission lines presently situated along the thoroughfares of the city. Sponsored by Councilor Joselito Del Rosario, chairman of the Committee on Transportation, the oversight committee will survey the local roads which have electric poles along them and seek the assistance of other sectors to speedily relocate them, with minimal power interruptions and costs. The creation of the aforesaid oversight committee is also geared towards fast tracking the realization of the mandate stated in Joint Circular No. 01, s. 2007 of the Department of Energy and the Department of Public Works and Highways, which was issued on July 10, 2017. Thru this Joint Circular, CASURECO II is mandated to relocate their distribution or sub-transmission lines located along, upon, under and across national roads within a given timetable. Recovery of costs for the relocation is also specified in the circular. To chair the aforesaid committee is no less than our capable and industrious mayor, Hon. John G. Bongat. Members of the committee are the chairman of the Committee on Infrastructure, the chairman of the SP Committee on Transport, the City Engineer, the General Services Officer, the Housing Settlements and Development Officer, the Public Safety Officer, the Public Information and Protocol Office, the President of the Liga ng mga Barangay and representatives from DPWH-Camarines Sur 2nd Engineering District, Camarines Sur II Electric Cooperative (CASURECO II) and Philippine National Police. It is high time that we now relocate the distribution and sub-transmission lines obstructing the free flow of traffic on our streets. This is to improve the safety of our riding public, as well as to facilitate a more robust and more vibrant local economy. As said by our beloved late Interior Secretary and former Naga Mayor Jesse M. Robredo, “Kung bako ngonian, nuarin pa?”