Senator Sherwin Gatchalian asked the Department of Public Works and Highways and the National Electrification Administration to fast-track the relocation of more than 57,000 electric poles in the middle of road widening projects nationwide.
“The recurring failure to address the issue practically defeats the purpose of such road-widening projects,” Gatchalian said over the weekend. He said the issue should be resolved soon as it could cause accidents to motorists.
Based on NEA records, a total of 85,526 electric poles were identified for relocation. Out the total, only 28,431 poles were relocated so far, translating into an accomplishment rate of only 33.24 percent.
The balance of 57,095 poles had to be relocated since end-October, including 23,339 in Luzon, 16,067 in the Visayas and 17,689 in Mindanao.
The entire pole relocation project requires a budget of P5.548 billion, with P1.114 billion already released.