The measure makes it mandatory for utility companies to place and install their power lines, wires, cable connections, cords and other utilities under the ground. #spaghettiwires

Linemen repairing electric cables in Cebu City. (Junjie Mendoza)

The Cebu City Council has set public consultations on the proposed ordinance placing all visible electrical power, telecommunication and television cable lines underground and ban old visible wooden posts with “spaghetti wires” within the South Road Properties (SRP) areas.

The proposed ordinance was sponsored by North District City Councilor Jerry Guardo, who told the Daily Tribune that the measure was to make these structures less susceptible to the impacts of natural calamities.

As this seeks to make it mandatory for utility companies to place and install their power lines, wires, cable connections, cords and other utilities under the ground, these may be piloted in an area at the Cebu City SRP.

Guardo added that the use of underground lines and cables will prove to be safe and reliable to prevent and minimize blackouts and service interruptions as these are now calamity-resistant.

In a separate resolution, Guardo, who chairs the committee on infrastructure, utilities and transportation, urged to phase out all wooden poles in the city as these are replaceable due to age and may pose risks to the public.