Meralco Committed To Public Safety And Urban Aesthetics

The Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) has recently conducted a crucial wire clearing operation within the historic Intramuros in Manila in a concerted effort to enhance public safety and address urban blight.

Meralco, MMDA, and the Intramuros Administration join forces in a crucial wire clearing operation along Gen. Luna Street, Intramuros. The removal of hazardous "spaghetti wires" underscores their commitment to public safety and the preservation of this historic area. | Photo: MERALCO

Collaborating with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Intramuros Administration, this initiative focused on the removal of hazardous and unauthorized wires from electric poles, a project pivotal to maintaining the area’s visual and structural integrity.

On August 8, officials from Meralco, MMDA, and the Intramuros Administration converged along Gen. Luna Street, at the corner of Sta. Potenciana Street, to address the dangerous “spaghetti wires” dangling precariously from power poles.

These wires, a tangled mess of copper, fiber optic cables, and CCTVs, pose significant risks—not only do they create an eyesore, but they also threaten the structural integrity of the poles, endangering pedestrians, motorists, and the community at large.

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes underscored the urgency of these operations, linking them to the government’s broader initiative to preserve Intramuros as a premier tourist destination.

He stressed that the presence of these non-operational overhead wires is not merely a visual blight but a serious safety hazard that must be addressed promptly.

The term “spaghetti wires” refers to the chaotic entanglement of cables from various service providers, often non-operational, that can lead to catastrophic consequences if left unchecked.

The sheer volume and disorder of these wires make them a ticking time bomb. Meralco’s proactive stance in clearing these wires is, therefore, not just an aesthetic measure but a critical safety intervention.

Meralco’s Foreign Attachment Management Operations and Control Officer, Armando Torres, highlighted the company’s meticulous coordination with local government units, telecommunications, and cable companies to ensure efficient and lasting results from the wire clearing operations.

Meralco Vice President and Corporate Communications Head Joe R. Zaldarriaga assured the public that these efforts are part of Meralco’s unwavering commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and stable electricity services.

“Meralco will work closely with all concerned stakeholders to ensure the integrity and safety of our facilities,” Zaldarriaga affirmed, reinforcing the importance of these operations for the welfare of the community.

Through these wire clearing efforts, Meralco demonstrates its dedication to mitigating the dangers posed by “spaghetti wires,” ensuring that the historic Intramuros remains not only a visually pleasing destination but, more importantly, a safe environment for everyone.