DPWH approves P44-M fund for relocation of electric posts

March 10, 2018 Provincial

LAOAG CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the second engineering district of Ilocos Norte announced Tuesday that out-of-place electric posts in widened roads of the province will be relocated the soonest possible time.
District Engineer Mathias Malenab of the San Nicolas-based Ilocos Norte Engineering District II confirmed this following the approval of about P44-million fund from the DPWH Central Office.
Malenab said the DPWH and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) are currently finalizing the contract before the relocation starts.
Once the relocation is done, the newly-widened roads with electric posts blocking the way can be utilized efficiently.
Earlier, motorists and commuters have assailed the DPWH widening project for not immediately relocating electric posts within the right of way, which pose danger to them.
A joint circular between the DPWH and the Department of Energy provides the proper guidelines and procedures for the compensation for “recovery cost in the need to relocate” the transmission lines.
Based on the memo, new power lines will be erected in place of the old ones currently blocking the road. In other places where possible, the power lines will likely be moved instead. LEILANIE ADRIANO, PNA / ABN