Gov. Gwen Garcia convened a crucial coordination meeting with key stakeholders to accelerate clearing operations and facilitate the transfer of utility poles along the national highway of southern Cebu, paving the way for the road widening projects implemented by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Gov. Garcia urged the representatives of utility firms such as Visayan Electric Company and Cebu Electric Cooperative; as well as telecommunication firms such as Globe, Smart/PLDT, Converge, and Dito to commit to a definitive timeline for the relocation of their poles.
Initial clearing operations by concerned contractors particularly in identified areas in Carcar City are expected to start this week. Telcos and utility firms are also expected to start relocating their poles next week.
Immediately after the meeting, Gov. Garcia issued Memorandum No. 20-2024 requiring telcos operating in Cebu to consolidate their distribution boxes and lines into a single pole, wherever practical and safe, in order to reduce visual clutter, minimize risk or damage during the widening works or calamities, and enable them to save on cost on having to maintain only one pole.
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Gov. Garcia stressed the importance of expediting the process to streamline subsequent road widening efforts.
Furthermore, contractors were tasked with hastening the clearance of obstructions, including affected structures, to enable the prompt removal of utility poles.
This coordinated approach aims to minimize disruptions on commuters and residents while ensuring the efficient execution of the road expansion initiatives.
Gov. Garcia’s proactive intervention underscores her commitment to enhancing infrastructure in southern Cebu while ensuring these projects do not cause inconvenience to the public.
By spearheading efforts to expedite clearing operations and coordinate with stakeholders, she aims to mitigate delays and ensure the seamless implementation of road widening projects. | Carlo Lorenciana