Featherbed Lane Residents Get Electricity

Residents of 43c Featherbed Lane in South Central St. Catherine have been provided with electricity at a cost of approximately $4 million.

The provision has been facilitated by National Energy Solutions Limited (NESol), which installed cables, transmission lines, power transformers and street lights, and wired the beneficiaries’ homes.

Science, Energy and Technology Minister and Member of Parliament for the area, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, had made representation on behalf of the residents,  following challenges encountered by residents, including safety issues, in the absence of a dedicated power supply.

The service was formally switched on by Dr. Wheatley, who has portfolio responsibility for NESol, during a brief ceremony on Thursday, July 14.

Dr. Wheatley said the project forms part of the Government’s thrust to provide 100 per cent islandwide electricity coverage, which he indicted now stands at approximately 97 per cent.

He encouraged the residents to practise energy conservation “to ensure that you use only what you need”.

Managing Director of NESol, Garfield Daley, told JIS News that the infrastructure at Featherbed Lane is configured to accommodate additional households, should other residents apply for power installation at their homes.

He indicated that NESol would be undertaking similar projects in other communities islandwide that have been identified for installations or upgrades, “as we push for 100 per cent electrification”.

Meanwhile, several residents of Featherbed Lane welcomed the provision of electricity.

Elaine Wright told JIS News that they are “very grateful”, noting that many persons had to “engineer different ways to get light”.

“Now that our service has been regularised, we are better able to get on with our lives,” she added.

Another resident, Jacqueline Anderson, said she and her family felt “privileged”, adding that it was often a challenge for her daughter to get home after work at nights “because the lane was very dark and the company bus wouldn’t take her down here”.

As such, Ms. Anderson said her scared daughter was often forced to walk alone. “So, we are very grateful to have received light. We thank our Member of Parliament, Dr. Wheatley, and NESol for what they have done for us,” she added.

Karen Simpson said she too was happy “that we have received street lights and light in our houses… and really want to thank Dr. Wheatley very much”.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Harry Daley, who also spoke at the ceremony, said the installation of electricity will serve to enhance law enforcement in the community.