Mandaue City Councilor Urges Action on Dangerous Dangling Cables
Concerned over the escalating dangers posed by improperly installed and dangling cables, a Mandaue City councilor is calling for immediate intervention to prevent accidents along busy roads and residential communities. Councilor Eugene Andaya, who chairs the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, has raised the issue anew, urging the City Engineering Office to reassess the situation and collaborate closely with telecommunication and cable service providers to resolve the problem.
Widespread Hazards Across the City
In a recent phone interview, Andaya highlighted that low-hanging and loose wires have become pervasive across Mandaue City, particularly along major highways and barangay roads where heavy vehicles frequently pass. "Along the highways and even in barangay roads, there are really a lot of dangling wires," Andaya stated, attributing the clutter to the increasing number of telecommunication companies installing cables at unsafe heights.
He explained that many of these wires are positioned too low, making them susceptible to being struck by large vehicles such as container vans and ten-wheelers. When hit, the wires can snap or fall, creating significant hazards for motorists and pedestrians alike. "With the number of telcos now providing internet services, their wires are often installed too low. When large trucks pass, especially container vans and ten-wheelers, they get caught. That's when accidents happen," Andaya added.
Resurfacing Problem Despite Past Efforts
While the city previously deployed engineering teams to remove and organize these wires, Andaya noted that the problem has resurfaced, prompting him to push for a renewed resolution as a reminder for authorities to take action again. "We already assigned teams from the engineering office before to clear these dangling wires. But this resolution is to remind and refresh that effort because the problem has returned," he said.
Andaya warned that the situation is becoming increasingly perilous, citing incidents where loose or cut wires have caused accidents. "These wires have caused accidents. It's very dangerous for Mandauehanons and even for others passing through the city," he stressed. Motorcycle riders are at particularly high risk, as nearly invisible wires can become entangled while vehicles are in motion. Large trucks are also vulnerable, as they may unknowingly pull down improperly installed cables, potentially triggering chain-reaction hazards along the road.
Key Areas and Regulatory Challenges
Andaya pointed to several areas where the issue is most evident, including Barangay Pagsabungan, Plaridel Street, and Barangays Labogon and Paknaan. He also acknowledged the challenge of regulating installation practices, noting that some companies install cables without proper coordination, sometimes even at night. "Before, when I was still a barangay councilor in Paknaan, we would call the telcos and require them to coordinate and secure permits before installing. That way, installations were more organized," he recalled.
Despite the lack of penalties for erring companies, Andaya emphasized that the primary goal is to ensure public safety rather than impose sanctions. "There may be no penalties yet, but what we want is for them to properly install their lines so no one gets hurt," he said. As Mandaue continues to expand its connectivity infrastructure, the councilor stressed that safety should not be compromised, urging both government agencies and private providers to take responsibility before more lives are put at risk.
