The Iloilo City Government has deployed a P3.5-million electric mini sweeper truck to accelerate cleanup operations along the Iloilo River Esplanade, Sunset Boulevard, and public plazas, according to city officials. Procured to address lengthy public spaces that are difficult to clean manually, the new equipment is intended to reduce reliance on manpower and reach narrow and linear areas where larger sweeper trucks cannot operate due to space limitations.
Equipment Specifications and Operational Reach
The electric mini sweeper is designed to simultaneously sweep and vacuum waste as it travels through public spaces, including corners and other hard-to-reach areas. According to City General Services Office (CGSO) head Engr. Neil Ravena, the unit features six arms with sweepers positioned underneath, in front, and along the side to cover different portions of roads and public spaces. The machine is capable of collecting up to 1.6 tons of waste per operation.
“After sweeping, it also vacuums the area that it passes through and brings the collected waste directly to the collection areas,” Ravena said. The equipment is meant to augment rather than replace manual cleaning crews as the city maintains its expanding landscaped and high-use public areas.
Funding Source and Future Expansion Plans
The P3.5-million purchase was funded using the city’s financial benefits from Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC), derived from its share of one centavo for every kilowatt-hour of electricity generated by the local power producer. While the city currently operates only one unit, Ravena stated that he is already proposing additional acquisitions to broaden mechanized cleaning operations.
“For now, we only have one unit, but I am already proposing for additional units because one will not be enough to cover all the areas that need to be cleaned,” Ravena said. The deployment is part of a broader effort by the city government to make sanitation protocols faster and more efficient in tight spaces.
Did You Know? The P3.5-million electric mini sweeper truck was funded directly through Iloilo City’s financial share of one centavo for every kilowatt-hour of electricity generated by the Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the new electric mini sweeper truck in Iloilo City?
The vehicle is deployed to accelerate cleanup operations, reduce reliance on manual labor, and reach narrow, linear public spaces where larger sweeper trucks cannot operate efficiently.
How much waste can the electric mini sweeper collect?
According to City General Services Office head Engr. Neil Ravena, the unit can collect up to 1.6 tons of waste.
How was the equipment financed?
The P3.5-million truck was purchased using the city government’s financial benefits from Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC), specifically its share equivalent to one centavo for every kilowatt-hour of electricity generated.
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