Sarangani execs defend shift to solar power lighting

THE SARANGANI capitol compound is lit up with solar-powered lights. KIM WINDELL TIBLANI/CONTRIBUTOR

ALABEL, Sarangani—The provincial government on Tuesday went on the defensive on its solar lighting project which critics are tagging as a waste of public funds.

Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon said the use of solar power for lighting actually cuts the provincial government’s expenses on electricity.

Carlito Rosal, head of the power room of the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO), said the provincial government had installed sodium lights around the capitol, which had become one of the province’s tourist attractions.

They, however, consume 400 watts each and add to the provincial government’s power bills, said Rosal.

Solon said the provincial government decided to replace the bulbs with solar lamps what would consume just 7.5 percent of the amount of electricity that the sodium lights do.

The governor said the shift would lower the provincial government’s power consumption by at least 370 watts per lamp post, freeing up electricity for use in businesses in the province.

Under the solar lighting program, the provincial government would spend P2.4 million to install solar lamps to illuminate driveways in the capitol and the national highway in front of the capitol compound, according to Solon.

Franz Von Abriam, provincial engineer, said under phase 1 and 2 of the program, at least 41 units of solar lamps had been installed.

At least 37 more units would be installed under the program’s third and fourth phases.

Vice Gov. Jinkee Pacquiao said savings from the solar lighting project would give the provincial government more funds for other projects, infrastructure, social services, education and investment promotion.

“This solar-powered street light only consumes 30 watts,” said Rosal. “That’s big savings,” he added. Allan Nawal, Inquirer Mindanao

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