• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC) yesterday said that they are taking steps to implement dust control measures in response to complaints of residents in Brgy. Rizal, Silay City, Negros Occidental.
Citicore is presently constructing a 69 megawatt solar power project in neighboring Brgy. E. Lopez, Silay City.
While dust control measures, such as daily watering, have been in place since the start of the project, it said that the intense dry weather conditions, brought about by the El Niño weather phenomenon, are creating higher than normal levels of dust.
We are implementing enhanced measures through the installation of dust nets adjacent to residential areas and limiting speed limits of vehicles, the solar power company said.
Residents of two puroks in Barangay Rizal, Silay City have complained about the health hazard caused by too much dust from the ongoing construction of the solar farm.
They complained of having suffered from the dust for two months.
In a statement, Citicore said they will be using molasses to thicken the soil, to lessen the dry particles that can be blown by the wind.
It also rained on Tuesday after a long period of heat, so they hope it will significantly lessen the dust.
We are in touch with the barangay and LGU to provide assistance for affected members of the community, including medical missions and other assistance to the nearby communities, Citicore also said.
This is an isolated case in our construction of solar plants. We assure the community that we are working round the clock to address this issue and request their cooperation, they further stressed.*
