Come December, the one-kilometer stretch of the old business district along J.M. Basa Street, including its heritage zone Calle Real, will have an enhanced look as the Underground Distribution System (UDS) is nearing completion.
Roel Castro, More Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) president and chief executive officer, said the project is on target, they are done with the civil works, and the electrical is 70 percent completed.
“The challenge is the other utilities like the telecommunication to transfer their lines. But as far as our lines are concerned, they are no longer in the stretch by December. Everything will already be underground,” he said in an interview.
The utility firm will start energizing customers and remove a few posts except those that still cater to telco wires.
“We are in close coordination with them. There is an organization, the Public Utilities Group of Iloilo (PUGI). We are coordinating, and everybody’s working towards that end,” Castro added.
MORE Power and the Iloilo City government kicked off the UDS project last year to eliminate above-ground power lines, starting at the corner of Arroyo and J. M. Basa Streets, extending up to Plaza Libertad, and ending at the corner of Zamora Street.
Once completed, the project is expected to reduce the risk of accidents caused by inclement weather, fallen trees, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Castro said the project is part of their commitment to support the local government’s projects, especially in preserving its culture and heritage.Perla Lena/PNA
