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Kayanna Robinson and Xavia Lewis, residents of Content Lane in Savannah Cross, Clarendon
By Nakinskie Robinson
Residents of Content Lane, Savannah Cross, Clarendon have grown frustrated with what they say are several failed attempts to have their electricity regularised and are demanding immediate action from the authorities.
The residents say they have been using illegal connections for some 20 years to power their homes, since there is no legal wiring in the area from the Jamaica Public Service Company.
They say assessments and surveys have been conducted under the Rural Electrification Programme and talks were underway with now deceased former councillor for the Mineral Heights division, Milton Brown, to regularise electricity in Savannah Cross.
They explain that they have also made several attempts to apply for electricity through JPS.
Their frustration reached new heights after technicians from JPS raided the community on December 4.
Kayanna Robinson said illegal connections were removed, leaving more than 20 homes and a church without power.
"You have people round here who have online jobs. You have children in here, you have shut-ins. Them nuh have no mercy. When JPS come them don't have no mercy," she bemoaned.
"It's one thing to take [electricity], when it's being offered. That's an illegal act. But what do we do when there is nothing? You are not providing us with anything, and at the same time, we are going to take other means," Ms. Robinson insisted.
Another resident, Xavia Lewis, told Radio Jamaica News that the lack of power has made residents vulnerable to theft.
She said residents have been able to access services from other utility providers.
"We have Flow internet. Why is it that JPS cannot bring electricity around here? If Flow consider that we could get internet around here by planting their post, what is wrong for us to get electricity? Ms. Lewis questioned.
JPS responds
The Jamaica Public Service Company, in its response, said the line extension required for the community must be done through the Rural Electrification Programme.
Communications Manager Winsome Callum said the Member of Parliament has responsibility to identify the communities in need of REP support and make recommendations to the Ministry of Energy, following which, JPS will take action.
Under REP, electricity is extended to rural Jamaica in a bid to provide the entire island with access.
Efforts to contact Member of Parliament for South East Clarendon, Pearnel Charles Jr. were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, JPS has maintained its hardline stance against illegal connections.
Despite the calls for leniency from Content Lane residents, Ms. Callum said it is irresponsible for the company to enable a situation where lives are endangered and homes could be destroyed as a result of illegal connections.
She said, however, since the matter has been brought to the company's attention by Radio Jamaica News, talks are underway to fast-track legal connection in the community.
Ms. Callum said JPS will also be engaging the community as part of the regularisation efforts.
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