Bacolod City’s Ambitious Underground Cabling Project

Bacolod City is gearing up for a significant urban development project as Mayor Albee Benitez and Negros Power’s Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Bernard Bailey Del Castillo has initiated discussions to move the city’s electrical and telecommunication cables underground. This initiative is critical to Mayor Benitez’s vision to transform Bacolod into a “world-class Super City.”

Strategic Vision for Bacolod

The project primarily focuses on relocating all overhead cables along Lacson Street, a major thoroughfare in Bacolod City, to an underground system. This area, bustling with activity and serving as a vital city artery, will benefit significantly from the proposed improvements. By placing the cables underground, the project aims to modernize the city’s infrastructure, enhance its visual appeal, and support Mayor Benitez’s broader goal of elevating Bacolod’s global status.

Utilizing Advanced Technology

To ensure minimal disruption to the city’s daily activities during installation, the project will employ Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology. This advanced method allows for the placement of conduits beneath the ground without requiring extensive surface excavation. The use of HDD will help reduce traffic congestion, prevent significant disruptions to businesses and residents, and maintain the safety of pedestrians throughout the construction period. This approach ensures that the transition from overhead to underground cables is as smooth and efficient as possible.

Addressing Urban Aesthetics

One of the driving factors behind this initiative is the desire to eliminate the unsightly network of overhead cables that currently dominates Bacolod’s skyline. Often referred to as “spaghetti wires,” these tangled cables are seen as a blight on the city’s appearance. Mayor Benitez has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of these overhead wires, emphasizing the need for a cleaner and more organized urban environment. The project aims to improve the city’s aesthetics by moving underground cables and contributing to a more orderly and visually appealing landscape.

Technical Enhancements and Cost Considerations

Engr. Del Castillo has provided insights into the technical aspects of the project, highlighting the advantages of the underground cables that will be installed. These cables will be designed for underground use, featuring enhanced heat resistance and waterproofing properties. While these cables are expected to be around 2.5% higher than traditional overhead wires, the project’s overall cost is projected to be approximately ten times greater than maintaining the existing system. This significant increase in expenditure is mainly due to the efficiency and capabilities of the HDD technology, which, despite its higher cost, offers long-term benefits in terms of durability and reliability.

Collaborative Efforts and Cost Management

To manage the substantial costs associated with this project, Mayor Benitez and Engr. Del Castillo is exploring opportunities for collaboration with various telecommunications companies. By coordinating the installation of underground conduits, these companies can share the infrastructure, thereby reducing individual expenses and streamlining the overall process. This collaborative approach is expected to make the project more financially viable, ensuring that all parties involved can benefit from the improved infrastructure without bearing the entire burden of the costs.

Legal Framework and Regulatory Approvals

As part of the project’s preparatory phase, Mayor Benitez and Engr Del Castillo have discussed the need for a City Ordinance to establish a legal framework for the initiative. This ordinance will set the guidelines and regulations necessary to ensure the project’s smooth implementation. Additionally, securing approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will be a critical step in moving the project forward, as it will ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory standards.

Conclusion

The underground cabling project in Bacolod City is a bold and forward-thinking initiative that aims to modernize the city’s infrastructure, enhance its visual appeal, and support its growth into a world-class supercity. By leveraging advanced technology, fostering collaboration, and securing legal and regulatory approvals, Mayor Benitez and Engr. Del Castillo is taking the necessary steps to ensure the project’s success. As Bacolod embarks on this transformative journey, the city’s residents can look forward to a cleaner, safer, and more aesthetically pleasing urban environment.

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