Cabinet to be updated on progress of JPS power restoration efforts

By Clinton McGregor    

 

Energy Minister Daryl Vaz is expected to update Cabinet on Monday regarding the pace and progress of the restoration efforts by the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS).

 

Minister Vaz was to have received a fullsome report from the light and power company on Sunday evening.

 

There has been growing frustration among residents across the country about the absence of electricity in their communities following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

 

Sections of Clarendon, Manchester and St. Elizabeth remain without electricity in addition to communities in other parishes across the island.

 

There have been several demonstrations over the last two weeks as residents vent their frustration over the lack of power and water supply in their communities.

 

Minister Vaz said power should be restored to several communities in Clarendon by Tuesday.

 

"After going last week to look at the damage, I'm now looking at areas that are under restoration because I need to be advised for myself in relation to the timelines that are being given to me by JPS. So I'm doing a tour to be able to go to Cabinet with a report from JPS in terms of timelines and weigh in with my own opinion in relation to where we are in the process. My position is that we want to restore all areas in the shortest possible time," said the minister. 

 

He was speaking while on a tour of the three hardest hit parishes Sunday.