JPS restores power to about 64% of customers

 

The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) says it has restored electricity to more than 300,000 customers, representing about 64% of its customer base, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

 

JPS President and Chief Executive Officer Hugh Grant says power has been restored to Sangster International Airport and other parts of Montego Bay, St. James, including the popular Hip Strip.

 

"Service was restored earlier this week to Cornwall Regional Hospital. We have also restored some significant NWC pumps in the parish of St. James. The Catherine Mount and the Reading NWC pumps are now in service. We have also restored the Fairview Shopping Centre and the Fairview community in St. James, so those people now are seeing the light. As of today, we...restored the airport. The good news is also, by the end of today, we will restore power to the Freeport in St. James, bringing power to the BPOs and stimulating the economic activity in that particular parish," Mr. Grant announced at Tuesday's special media briefing. 

 

Mr. Grant said electricity should be restored in sections of Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth within the next two weeks, while parts of Trelawny are expected to be reconnected later this week.

 

He noted that since the hurricane, more than 200 line workers have arrived in the island to assist with restoration efforts.

 

Additional vehicles, including hole digging and bucket trucks, which are critical to the process, are expected to arrive by the weekend. 

 

In the meantime, the JPS head said the company is making steady progress in the eastern and central parishes. 

 

More than 95% of customers in St. Thomas, Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine have already had their electricity restored.

 

Mr. Grant said work is continuing in Clarendon, Manchester, Portland, St. Mary and St. Ann, where priority is being given to critical services such as hospitals, water pumps, town centres and key economic zones.