Talisay street excavations: Proposed measure seeks to penalize firms that fail to put up warning signs

The Talisay City government is seeking to penalize utility firms who fail to put up warning signs on areas where they conduct diggings or street excavations.

Vice Mayor Aberdovey Belleza said that the proposed measure that provides penalties for utility firms resulted from the complaints that reached his office that the Metropolitan Cebu Water District and other utility firms conducted street excavations without putting up warning signs.

"This practice, which ostensibly amount to neglect or omission to consider the safety of the public, indeed poses danger to pedestrian and motorists," Belleza said in his proposed ordinance, which is expected to be tackled in today's council session.

The proposed measure provides that utility or service firms such as the MCWD, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, Globe Telecom and even the Department of Public Works and Highways, must first secure a mayor's permit before embarking on street excavations and other diggings. It also requires the utility firms to provide safety signs made of reflectorized paint or tape to warn the public.

Violators will have to pay a fine of P500 a day from the time the city government received the complaint until the violation has been corrected. - Garry B. Lao