Bacolod City’s Vision For Underground Cables
Spaghetti wires along Lacson Street in Bacolod City
Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez and Negros Electric and Power Corporation are gearing up for a groundbreaking transformation in the city’s infrastructure. Discussions have commenced on relocating the city’s electrical and phone cables underground, marking a significant step towards a more advanced urban landscape.
The initiative, spearheaded by Mayor Benitez and Negros Power’s COO Engr. Del Castillo, aims to enhance the city’s aesthetics by eliminating the unsightly overhead cables, often likened to “spaghetti wires.” The plan includes the underground placement of cables along Lacson Street, encompassing both telecommunication and power lines.
To achieve this, cutting-edge Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology will be employed for conduit installation, ensuring minimal surface disruption. This innovative approach not only reduces traffic disturbances but also prioritizes pedestrian safety, setting a new standard for urban development.
The underground cables will be custom-designed for subterranean environments, offering superior heat resistance and waterproofing properties compared to traditional above-ground wires. Despite a slight increase in cable costs, the overall investment is expected to be significantly higher due to the efficiency of the HDD machine.
Moreover, the project aims to collaborate with various telecommunications companies to synchronize the installation of underground conduits, fostering shared infrastructure usage and minimizing individual expenses. Mayor Benitez and Engr. Del Castillo are also diligently working on establishing a City Ordinance to provide the necessary legal framework and secure approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
With the commencement of the underground cabling project on Lacson Street imminent, Bacolod City is on the brink of a transformative journey towards becoming a world-class Super City. Stay tuned as the city undergoes this remarkable evolution in its infrastructure, setting a new standard for urban development and sustainability.
