Vandalism to JPS circuits leaves Elegant Corridor in Montego Bay in darkness
Josimar Scott / Our Today
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A total of 387 streetlights on the Elegant Corridor in Montego Bay, St James, from Sangster International Airport to the Montego Bay Convention Centre, ceased to function after a series of acts of vandalism over the weekend, the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has reported.
JPS, the local power and light provider, said the acts of vandalism resulted in disruption in lighting along the major thoroughfare, leaving it in darkness, with motorists and pedestrians having to depend mainly on vehicular illumination.
“Up to Friday, August 22, JPS crews inspected the lights and support structures, and found them to be in proper working order. However, during a second routine drive-through on Sunday night, the corridor was found to be dark. The teams subsequently discovered extensive tampering with the circuits responsible for lighting the stretch. The vandals had ripped open the breaker panels, disconnecting and damaging them, causing the streetlights to become non-functional,” the utility provider outlined in a release.
Following the discovery, the JPS has condemned the acts of vandalism noting that it has invested significantly in the repairs and maintenance of streetlights along the corridor.
“Over the past several months, JPS teams have made significant efforts to have these streetlights repaired and maintained in working order. The company is now concerned about the safety of motorists and pedestrians along the corridor and again urges persons to desist from interfering with the streetlights or support structures,” the company noted.
In the meantime, maintenance teams from JPS have been working to urgently restore the damaged circuits and replace critical equipment.
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