The Department of Public Works and Highways and the Negros Electric and Power Corp. are checking on the stability of power poles at Jovita and Carmen streets in Brgy 40, Bacolod City, where drainage diggings are underway, following the toppling of four Sunday afternoon, Sept. 7.
Two of their primary poles at Jovita Street where drainage work is underway fell at about 4 p.m. Sunday causing a power outage in several areas, Engineer Bailey del Castillo, Negros Power chief operations officer, said.
Two other wood posts also fell.
Del Castillo said the foundation at the base of the poles had been weakened because of the drainage excavation work that caused them to fall.
The base was not covered yet but there was temporary reinforcement while work is underway, he said.
There are bases of poles in the area that have been weakened by the excavation work, and should be reinforced by the contractor undertaking the work, he said.
We will be conducting an inspection of the area, he added.
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said he has called the attention of those concerned amid warnings raised by residents that other electric posts in the area could also fall and endanger public safety.
Bacolod District Engineer Leah Jamero said she will have the status of the power poles investigated to ensure public safety.
The drainage project is being undertaken by JF Uy Construction and Services, Jamero said.*