Personnel from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) brought cranes and emergency restoration systems to speed up the repair of a transmission tower that was toppled by a fire in Alabang, Muntinlupa City on April 19.
According to NGCP, the damaged and leaning Tower 34 of its Biñan-Muntinlupa 230kV lines 1 and 2 in Alabang will be lifted and erected with the use of cranes.
It will also install an Emergency Restoration Structure (ERS), which is a temporary line used to bypass an affected facility.
“NGCP is employing alternative options to fast-track the tower repair. We want to make sure that apart from mobilizing our manpower and materials, we also have a viable, safe, and efficient restoration plan,” the company said.
A fire broke out on April 19 from houses under the tower, which caused the structure to collapse.
Muntinlupa City government spokesperson Tez Navarro said the affected families, composed of about 200 persons, are now staying at a covered court in UP Side in Alabang. They were given meals and will be provided with financial assistance.
However, Navarro said the families will no longer be allowed to return and rebuild their homes under the tower for safety reasons.
“They will be relocated,” she said.
NGCP has renewed its call for the public to respect its transmission right of way clearances to avoid such incidents.
It said that for transmission towers, the clearing widths are from 15 to 60 meters.
NGCP is working with the Manila Toll Expressway System for traffic management and public safety while the repair of the tower is being done. (Jonathan Hicap)