Dad eyes control over infrastructure activities

CEBU, Philippines - A Mandaue City councilor has proposed regulating street diggings, excavations, and installations of utility lines.

Councilor Jimmy Lumapas, committee chairman on public works and infrastructure, recently drafted an ordinance that seeks to regulate all street diggings, excavations, restorations, installations of overhead and underground main and secondary utility and service lines, and other related infrastructure activities.

Lumapas said Mandaue City is fast developing into an economic center with numerous infrastructures and utility projects being undertaken to sustain its development.

He said his proposal aims to safeguard motorists and pedestrians alike.

He proposes that before any public or private firm carries out diggings, excavations, or installations of overhead or underground lines, it should first secure permits from the Office of the Building Official (OBO).

An application for a permit to excavate and install overhead or underground main or secondary utility/service lines will cost P250 while an application for a permit to dig will cost P100.

A mayor’s permit is also necessary unless digging is done within a private individual’s property.

Applicants must submit to the OBO the names of personnel that will undertake the project, their work schedules and time frame.

The proposal was approved on first reading Wednesday. (FREEMAN)