DPWH aims to relocate electric poles on widened roads

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is addressing the need for relocating electric poles on widened right-of-way (ROW) roads with the preparation of a detailed master list and guidelines on the matter.

DPWH is looking to prioritize the relocation of electric poles on widened roads [Photo: Google Maps]

This issue has been long discussed among government agencies considering the danger it brings road users. Leaving electric poles in place defeats the purpose of widening works as motorists still couldn’t use the added lanes safely.

For motorists who are traversing unfamiliar roads at night, the poles that block widened lanes can cause high-speed crashes. Not only do these poles pose danger but also obstruct traffic.

Budget and lack of coordination between agencies are some of the said main factors why the issue hasn’t been fully resolved.

Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Anne Sharlyne G. Lapuz ordered the close coordination of DPWH with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) on the relocation of electric poles. Moreover, the agency said that it is working with a Php 50 million budget this year.

All of these actions were discussed at a second coordination meeting of DPWH lawyers.

DPWH is planning its course of action for the relocation of electric poles

Present in the meeting were Undersecretary Lapuz, together with DPWH Assistant Secretary for Legal Service Mel John I. Verzosa, DPWH Legal Service Director Gliricidia C. Tumaliuan-Ali, DPWH Regional Office 4B Director Gerald A. Pacanan, and Assistant Regional Director Melquiades H. Sto. Domingo.

“By the end of our meeting, we have agreed to formulate a standard procedure in the actual and physical validation of electric poles local within [the] government’s ROW,” Undersecretary Lapuz.

“We will also prepare a detailed master list and the transitory guidelines in the prioritization of payment and relocation of electric poles considering we are working with [a] P50 million budget in 2023,” added Lapuz.

In addition to the said proposed course of action, the DPWH also discussed Policy Direction for Audit, ISO and Right-sizing, ROWA, and the latest legal opinions at the meeting.

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