ILOILO City – The city government is working with MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) for an integrated approach to fire prevention.
Fire incidents in this city, especially in highly-populated areas, are mostly due to illegal electric connections but preventable, said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
This integrated fire prevention strategy will be implemented in four phases, starting with the deployment of line sweepers to conduct a thorough inspection of secondary lines, service drops, metering facilities, flying connections, and loop connections.
Within six months of work, the city government and MORE Power hope to achieve the ultimate goal of zero fire incidents.
To tackle the common causes of fire, including jumpers, unauthorized load connections, open wirings, substandard service wires, and lack of awareness/negligence, Treñas said the city government and MORE Power will be enlisting the help of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and other stakeholders.
“We need to work closely with MORE Power and the barangays to legalize electric connections to prevent fire incidents. Funds of the city going to financial assistance can be put to better use,” said Treñas.
Among others, city government and MORE Power listed to carry out the following specifics:
* ensuring that all service lines are jumper-free
* rehabilitating old Elevated Metering Centers (EMCs) and over-extended low-lying wires
* validating and converting unauthorized load-side connections
* institutionalizing fire safety through community involvement
This integrated approach to fire prevention will also validate and convert unauthorized load-side connections, with households apprehended for such violations to be regularized through the MORE Konek program.
Moreover, old EMCs and over-extended low-lying wires will be rehabilitated, with priority given to those in depressed or vulnerable barangays.
To ensure that corrective measures are implemented, MORE Power will work in collaboration with barangay officials, the BFP, Office of the Building Official and City Engineering Office, and its own distribution engineers.
In addition, MORE Power will implement an Information, Education, and Communication program (IEC) covering electrical and fire safety, as well as Republic Act 7832 (Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994).
The BFP will also be involved in facilitating fire safety seminars.
Treñas said city government values collaboration to prevent fires and make homes and communities safer./PN
