City wants public utility poles removed from sidewalks, walkways

Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed city council resolution no. 350, series of 2022, reiterating resolution no. 32, series of 2022, for all public utility companies operating in the city to remove all posts and other obstructions especially on locations where tactile pavements are installed that are obstructing sidewalks/walkways that pose danger to the general public.

The measure states that installed tactile tiles on sidewalks in different areas of the Summer Capital which were intended to benefit or guide visually impaired persons became a subject of discussion among residents and city officials due to its observed disadvantages like being slippery under the rain especially those installed in elevated/sloppy areas and narrow sidewalks.

“Public utility companies’ posts and other obstructions are narrowing the sidewalks, thus, on narrowed pavements, pedestrians/walkers are forced to step over the tactile guides that cause slippage,” it points out.

The approved measure states that the city council have emphasized once again the need to clear sidewalks/walkways free from all forms of obstructions as previously requested in resolution no. 32, series of 2022.

The earlier resolution reiterates resolutions no. 140 and 253, series of 2018, to the DPWH-CAR, Beneco, including cable, television, communication and other utility companies to remove or relocate electric poles/posts, dangling cable wires, and other obstructions within the national government’s right-of-way as a result of road-widening and other related projects in the city. – Gaby B. Keith