Hylton calls for government action to expand legal electricity access and improve services in Riverton
Vanassa McKenzie / Our Today
Anthony Hylton, Member of Parliament for St Andrew Western, announced that over 100 houses in the Riverton Community have been connected to the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) grid under a house wiring programme.
This is the first phase of a two-phase programme designed to expand access to legal electricity and reduce revenue losses by removing illicit connections.
Hylton explained: “The next phase in this collaborative arrangement will be the implementation of an improved distribution infrastructure to enable more houses, once successfully wired, to become formalised.”
He argued that the prohibitive cost of wiring homes is a key reason why more people are not part of the programme.
“I am, therefore, calling on the Government to demonstrate its genuine concern for the most vulnerable in society through a targeted programme of cost reduction/elimination for the wiring of houses, thereby providing legal light to all those wanting to connect legally to the grid. All will be benefited with the adoption/expansion of such a programme by the Government, not just the few who will benefit under the vote-buying scheme announced recently on the political platform,” he said.
He made the plea during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, in the House of Representatives.
Meanwhile, Hylton mentioned that Riverton citizens continue to press for a better National Water Commission (NWC) system for both potable water and reliable sewer services. He pledged to continue advocating for their inclusion in accessing these improved and affordable services available to every community in St Andrew Western.
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