The Iloilo City Government on Monday, Aug. 31, defended the P3.5-million price tag of its newly acquired electric mini-sweeper truck amid online discussions questioning the unit’s cost.
In a interview over radio station Bombo Radyo Iloilo, General Services Office (GSO) head Engr. Neil Ravena explained that they chose the equipment for its quality and operational suitability, not just its price.
He said unlike cheaper models sold online, the city’s unit is built with higher specifications, including a hydraulic articulated arm designed to sweep street curbs and gutters effectively.
Ravena added that the unit’s cost includes its heavy-duty battery, electrical setup, warranty, shipping, and importation fees.
Specifically, the battery supports a standard 220-volt, 60-Hertz electrical supply, eliminating the need for expensive external transformers or specialized charging stations.
Ravena assured the public that the procurement followed standard competitive bidding procedures, with funding sourced through financial benefits received under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).IMT
