Bacolod City Eyes Underground Cabling Initiative for a World-Class Transformation
Bacolod City is on the verge of a transformative urban development that could significantly elevate its infrastructure, aesthetics, and global standing. Mayor Albee Benitez, in collaboration with Negros Power’s Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Bernard Bailey Del Castillo is spearheading an ambitious project to relocate the city’s electrical and telecommunication cables underground. This strategic move aligns with Mayor Benitez’s vision of turning Bacolod into a “world-class Super City,” which seeks to modernize the city and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
The Vision for a World-Class Bacolod
Mayor Albee Benitez’s vision for Bacolod is not just about infrastructural improvements; it’s about creating an aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior environment. The overhead cables, which have become an all-too-familiar sight in Bacolod, are often described as “spaghetti wires” due to their tangled and unsightly appearance. These wires are not just eyesores; they pose potential safety hazards and contribute to urban clutter. The underground cabling project is a significant step towards resolving these issues, offering a cleaner, safer, and more visually appealing urban landscape, ensuring the safety and security of our residents.
Strategic Implementation: The Role of HDD Technology
One of the most critical aspects of this project is its implementation strategy. The project will utilize Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology, a modern technique that allows for the installation of underground conduits with minimal disruption to the surface. This method is particularly advantageous in densely populated urban areas like Bacolod, where minimizing traffic disturbances and ensuring pedestrian safety are paramount. During the transition, we will ensure that telecommunications services are minimally disrupted, with a comprehensive plan in place to manage any potential service interruptions.
HDD technology creates a drilled path along the designated route, through which conduits for electrical and telecommunication cables are installed. This process significantly reduces the need for extensive digging, which can be time-consuming and disruptive. Moreover, HDD technology ensures that the installation process is faster, more efficient, and less invasive, making it an ideal choice for a project of this scale.
Enhancing Durability and Resilience with Custom-Designed Cables
The underground cables used in this project are not just ordinary wires relocated from above ground. They are custom-designed to withstand the unique challenges of an underground environment. Engr. Bernard Bailey Del Castillo highlighted that these cables would feature enhanced heat resistance and waterproofing properties, making them far more durable and resilient than the current overhead system.
This attention to durability is crucial, as underground cables are more challenging and costly to repair or replace once installed. By investing in high-quality, custom-designed cables, Bacolod City ensures that this infrastructure will serve the city reliably for many years, with minimal maintenance required.
Financial Implications: Weighing the Costs and Benefits
While the underground cabling project promises numerous benefits, it has significant financial implications. Engr. Del Castillo noted that the cost of the cables would increase by about 2.5% due to their specialized design. However, the project’s overall cost is expected to be approximately ten times higher than the current overhead system. This substantial increase is mainly due to the advanced technology and extensive labor required for HDD implementation.
Despite the higher costs, the long-term benefits of the underground cabling system are expected to outweigh the initial investment. The city will benefit from a more reliable and resilient power and communication infrastructure, and the enhanced urban aesthetics could also attract more investors and tourists, contributing to the city’s economic growth and fostering a sense of optimism about Bacolod’s future.
Collaboration with Telecommunications Companies: A Cost-Efficient Approach
To mitigate some of the financial burdens, Mayor Benitez and Engr. Del Castillo are exploring opportunities for collaboration with various telecommunications companies. By synchronizing the installation of underground conduits, these companies can share the infrastructure, thereby reducing costs for each entity involved. This collaborative approach not only makes the project more economically feasible but also fosters a sense of partnership among the city’s key stakeholders, making everyone feel included in Bacolod’s development.
Legal Framework and Regulatory Approvals
As the project moves from the planning stages to implementation, one of the critical steps is securing the necessary legal and regulatory approvals. Mayor Benitez and Engr. Del Castillo has already begun discussions on the need for a City Ordinance to establish the project’s legal framework. This ordinance will outline the roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders, set safety and quality standards, and ensure that the project complies with all relevant regulations.
In addition, the underground cabling initiative will require approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). The ERC’s approval will be a crucial milestone, as it will not only greenlight the project but also set the stage for similar initiatives in other parts of the country.
Conclusion: A Bold Step Towards Modernization
The underground cabling project in Bacolod City represents a bold and forward-thinking approach to urban development. It addresses the long-standing issue of unsightly overhead wires. Mayor Albee Benitez and Engr. Bernard Bailey Del Castillo is improving the city’s aesthetics and laying the groundwork for a more modern, resilient, and world-class infrastructure. While the project entails significant costs and challenges, the long-term benefits for Bacolod’s residents and its future as a “Super City” are undeniable. As Bacolod embarks on this transformative journey, it sets a new standard for urban planning and development in the Philippines, paving the way for other cities to follow suit.
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