20% done for Boracay power line rehab

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The rehabilitation works in Boracay Island of the sole power distributor is now 20 percent done.

PHOTO AKELCO

Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) supplies electricity to the three barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Yapak and Balabag, which were placed under state of calamity by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 26.

Akelco assistant general manager for engineering Engr. Joel Martinez said the relocation of posts and lateral distribution lines will shift into high gear this week.

“Pati ang mga metro at transformers ay ililipat din natin sa mga bagong poste bago i-deenergized ang dating linya,” he said.

Martinez stressed the rehabilitation of Akelco power lines and electric posts will go beyond the expected Boracay re-opening on October 26.

“Dahil sa dami ng apektadong poste na ating i-relocate at linya ng kuryente dahil sa road widening, kahit mag-open ang Boracay patuloy pa rin tayo a paglipat ng mga electric posts, para malinis natin ang mga cross lines sa kalsada at mailagay sa tamang lokasyon ang mga distribution lines,” he said.

The 12-meter widening of Cagban Manoc-Manoc-Balabag road by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also affected private properties, posts of mobile service providers and telephones and the drainage systems in the island.

Ongoing also is the pipe laying activities of utilities in the main road in coordination with DPWH.

Once the P500-million road upgrade is completed, the 5.2-km stretch will have bike lanes and pathways on both sides.