Local Government and Community Development Ministry Sets Up Complaints Desk

A complaints desk has been established at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development to deal with matters related to street lights.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says this forms part of the Ministry’s undertaking to strengthen cooperation with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) on the matter.

He made the disclosure following a meeting with JPS President, Kelly Tomblin, at the Ministry’s offices on Hagley Park Road in Kingston.

Mr. McKenzie said the complaints desk will be situated in his office, thereby enabling him to closely monitor its engagements.

“It is important that is done so that, from the level of the Minister, the signal is sent that this is going to be a collective response to the challenge that the JPS and the country faces in relation to street lights,” he explained.

Mr. McKenzie advised that he has received a copy of the street light audit which was conducted by the JPS, and will be reviewing the document to determine how best the Ministry and light and power company can respond to the findings.

“What is important is that it gives us an idea of what needs to be done (and) we are going to be looking at it (to) ensure it covers as much ground as possible,” he pointed out.

For her part, Ms. Tomblin said the meeting was fruitful as it allowed both sides to explore key issues on which they can collaborate in identifying solutions, so as to improve service delivery.

“What we’re going to be doing, going forward, is making sure there is understanding and transparency,” she stated.