Fear of disturbing noise from 15 generators raised
Residents surrounding the area where the generator sets of the National Power Corporation (Napocor) will be placed expressed fears that the equipment could create noise pollution.
The 20 generator sets to be leased by the Napocor to address the power needs of Iloilo City will be housed in the property of the Panay Electric Company Inc. (Peco) in Barangay Bolilao, Mandurriao. As planned, the generator sets will connect directly to Peco's 69KV transmission lines.
Barangay Captain Nenita Joson said they will ask Mayor Jerry Treñas for reconsideration if the presence and operation of the generator sets can create disturbance among their residents.
She, however, clarified that they are not against the placement of generator sets as it would help in the city's current power problem.
Hundreds of houses are situated in Sitio Malipayon, Barangay Bolilao which is near the Peco property.
Joson said the generator sets would be a great help to the ongoing rotating brownouts suffered by city residents. However, Joson said she will have also to look for the welfare of her residents.
The barangay captain said she does not want to take the blame if the operation of the generator sets affects the health of the people.
Meanwhile, a barangay kagawad who asked not to be named said Peco management should consider constructing a concrete fence in the proposed site. The fence will not only protect the property from thieves from but at the same time block the noise the generator sets will create.
The same official fears that the smoke coming from generator sets can create pollution and may trigger asthma cases in the barangay. The generator sets can help in the power shortage but they should also look and consider the safety of the residents, he said.
The fears of the people came even before the Napocor is done with its plan to lease 20 generator sets for Iloilo City. Of the 20 generator sets, 15 will be used to generate 15 megawatts that could fill the deficiency of power from Panay Power Corporation and Napocor's power plants.