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JAM | Dec 17, 2023

Government providing 10,000 solar lamps under island-wide pilot project

/ Our Today

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Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Minister, Daryl Vaz (right), shows the brightness of the solar lamps that will be provided to households across the island under a pilot project. Looking on is Member of Parliament (MP) for Western St. Andrew, Anthony Hylton. The first set of lamps were handed over to Mr. Hylton for distribution to constituents, during a ceremony on Tuesday, Decenber 12, 2023, at the Ministry’s Maxfield Avenue offices in Kingston. (Photo: JIS)


The Ministry of Science and Energy is undertaking a pilot programme to provide solar lamps to households that do not have access to electricity.

Portfolio Minister Daryl Vaz informed that 10,000 lamps will be distributed across all 63 constituencies.

Members of Parliament (MPs) will be responsible for disseminating them among their constituents, with those representing deep rural areas receiving 200 lamps each; 160 each will go to MPs in mixed areas; and 100 each for Corporate Area MPs.

Each handheld solar lamp has different brightness settings, a spotlight and can be charged using solar technology or a USB cord.

Minister Vaz, who was addressing a ceremony for the handover of the first set of lamps, at his Maxfield Avenue offices in Kingston on December 12, said that the lamps are intended to minimise the risk of house fires and encourage greater use of solar technology.

Boxes containing solar lamps that will be distributed by Members of Parliament (MP) to constituents across the island under a pilot project being undertaken by the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport. (Photo: JIS)

“This project came about as a suggestion from Prime Minister Andrew Holness on the heels of yet another fire that caused severe damage and loss of life by persons who do not have electricity and are using candles, kerosene lamps and bottle torches all across Jamaica. It is a serious risk to life and property,” Vaz said.

He was referring to recent house fires in Westmoreland and in the Corporate Area, which caused the death of an elderly woman and left three families homeless.

Minister Vaz is encouraging feedback from MPs within the next month, saying that if the response is positive, the Government will provide more lamps to maintain the programme and ensure citizens’ safety.

“It is a small token, but I think that it’s a useful token, especially for Christmas. I am hoping that these 10,000 solar lights will reduce the risk of damage to property and lives by fire,” he said.

MP for St. Andrew Western, Anthony Hylton, who received the lamps during last Tuesday’s ceremony, expressed gratitude on behalf of his constituents.

Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz (right), symbolically presents a solar lamp to St. Andrew Western Member of Parliament (MP), Anthony Hylton, at the Ministry’s Maxfield Avenue offices in Kingston on Tuesday (December 12). The Government is providing 10,000 solar lamps to households across the island under a pilot project. The lamps will be distributed by MPs. (Photo: JIS)

Hylton said he is looking forward to working with the ministry in ensuring increased access to electricity in the constituency.

Tags
Government of Jamaica Jamaica Member of Parliament Anthony Hylton Minister Daryl Vaz Ministry of Science Energy Telecommunications and Transport solar lamp pilot project

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