Avoid kite flying in areas with power lines
A spokesperson of Panay Electric Company (PECO) has called on city residents to avoid flying kites in areas where there are presence of high voltage power lines to avert the occurrence of sudden power interruptions.
Amanda Garcia further reminded city residents that flying a kite in such areas are prohibited pursuant to a city ordinance.
Garcia's reminder came in the wake of a power blackout which occurred in the city last Wednesday afternoon.
Garcia attributed the one-hour-and-a-half power outage to a kite which got entangled on PECO's 69 KV high tension wire in Jalandoni Estate, Lapuz, La Paz.
The PECO crew recovered the kite which was said to have been played by two boys.
Kite flying is a common activity especially among the young this summer season.
Garcia furnished The News Today (TNT) a copy of Regulation Ordinance 2002-371 prohibiting kite flying within the vicinity of the high voltage lines of power utilities.
The ordinance enacted October 23, 2002 was primarily sponsored by former City Councilor Ma. Rita Bascos-Sarabia.
It was stated in the ordinance that that entanglement of kites on high voltage power lines normally causes loss of lives due to electrocution.
It also results into unannounced power interruptions.
The ordinance thus provided for penalties on violators: a fine in the amount of not more than P200 or imprisonment of not more than six months, or both at the discretion of the court.
In case of minors, their parents would be liable in which they shall be punished by a fine of not less than P100 or by an imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both at the discretion of the court.
A check with the police records, however, showed that nobody has yet to be arrested or penalized for violation of the said ordinance. But it is not the first time that the city suffered power outage due to kite flying.
Wednesday's power interruption affected the billeting areas where the more than 3,000 delegates to the National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Games are housed.
The city is currently hosting the PRISAA national games participated by contingents from the country's 15 regions.
Mayor Jerry Treñas earlier requested PECO and its power supplier, Panay Power Corporation (PPC), to ensure reliable power on the duration of the PRISAA national games for the benefit of the city's visitors.
It was learned that two other big conventions are currently held here in the city.