By: Ferlie Gumbok and Vanessa Jean Bacus/UM Interns
LAWMAKERS raised concern over the non-operational streetlight project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
During the 10th regular session on March 19, the City Council invited the regional DPWH office to shed light on the issue.
DPWH XI spokesperson Dean Ortiz explained that half of the streetlights from Matina Bridge to Talomo were not functioning due to the wires constantly being stolen.
According to Ortiz, stolen cables have been a persistent problem ever since they started the project. Nevertheless, they are working closely with the police stations in Baliok, Talomo, and Ecoland to address the problem.
“Ang ginabuhat nila is kawaton ang kable then sunogon, then ibaligya sa junk shops (What they do is steal the cable, melt them before selling them to junk shops),” he said.
Ortiz, however, assured the DPWH would work on every possible solution to arrest the problem.
