By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has requested Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) to establish power line extensions and install a distribution transformer at Arao II Relocation Site in Barangay Vista Alegre.

Gasataya, who held a meeting with at least 80 residents at the relocation site yesterday, said they need to address the affected residents’ urgent concern for electrification.

“We asked for Negros Power’s intervention in providing the aforementioned power line extension and distribution transformer for temporary use, pending the completion of the bidding procedures for line construction works by the Bacolod Housing Authority [BHA],” Gasataya said.

The mayor stressed that they were committed to facilitating and expediting the processing of all necessary requirements, including electrical permits and related clearances, subject to compliance by the affected residents with BHA requirements, to secure the needed electrical service connection at the soonest possible time.

Gasataya said affected residents also promised to complete all requirements needed for power connections.

“We will assist them in securing their electrical permits, as well as the certification from the BHA, and ensure that they are recognized as awardees at the relocation site,” Gasataya said.

He said Negros Power also assured them that electrical posts would be installed in the identified affected areas in Arao II.

On Monday, June 15, the residents sought Gasataya’s assistance to reconnect their lines with Negros Power.

City Administrator Mark Steven Mayo said most residents in the area were allegedly connecting power supply through their neighbors during Negros Power’s inspection.

The residents claimed they have failed to process a power connection due to lack of electrical poles within their area./MAP, WDJ