JPS to bring in 300 more linesmen

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, says the Government is working with the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) to bring in additional resources, including 300 linesmen, to return electricity to the island at a quicker pace.

"On the general trajectory, it could be as long as six months before electricity is returned to every community in Jamaica,"Holness said, during a Special Press Briefing on Hurricane Melissa Recovery at Jamaica House on Wednesday (November 19).

He noted that approximately 70 per cent of the island has electricity, to date, up from around 23 per cent in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane.

"The lessons learned from [Hurricane] Beryl have paid off and the JPS is working assiduously to bring electricity back to areas that have been affected," Dr Holness maintained.

He explained that the JPS has approximately 600 linesmen with their equipment in the island, some of whom will leave shortly.

The Prime Minister said the company has expressed that it needs a total of 900 linesmen to fast-track restoration efforts in parishes hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa.

"We are of the view, based upon JPS's assessment... that they could shave two to three months off total recovery if they have the resources upfront to deal with the recovery," Dr Holness added.

He emphasised that restoring electricity faster than projected will allow quicker restoration of water and a return to normalcy in affected communities.

The Prime Minister noted that the Government has challenged the JPS to get Montego Bay, which is the island's second main commercial hub, restored by December 15.

He indicated that the company has, so far, restored power to Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, popularly known as the Hip Strip.

"The intention is that by the 15th of December the tourism hub of Jamaica, Montego Bay, should be electrified. So, by December the 15th, we should expect that the Elegant Corridor should get full electricity. That is the challenge, and they (JPS) are working assiduously towards this, and I am giving them as much support as I can to ensure that this is done," Dr. Holness continued.

He said that by mid-December, the JPS should be able to bring the percentage of communities restored up to 75 per cent.

- JIS

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