Mayor calls for urgent repairs to Westmoreland street lights to combat crime
Published:Saturday | December 14, 2024 | 12:08 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Savanna-la-Mar Mayor Danree Delancy, who also serves as chairman of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation (WMC), is urging the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) to take immediate action to repair defective street lights across the parish.
He asserts that functioning street lights are vital for deterring criminals, who often exploit darkness to attack residents.
“Non-functional street lights create dark spots, making it easier for criminals to operate. By fixing these lights, the JPS would help protect the community and ensure that residents feel safer,” Delancy said during Thursday’s monthly WMC meeting.
The mayor emphasised the urgent need for repairs, particularly during the holiday season when criminal activities tend to increase.
“With so many street lights out for quite some time, it would be good for JPS to make an extra push at this time of year,” he said.
“We know the criminal elements strike under the cover of darkness, so I am calling on them to repair these malfunctioning lamps as soon as possible.”
Delancy expressed concern that, unlike in previous years, JPS crews have not been visibly active in repairing or replacing street lights. “I don’t know if they’ve been doing so without us noticing, but I am not seeing them out there,” he added.
In addition to urging repairs, Delancy revealed that the WMC has sent a formal request to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development for additional street lights in the parish. Steps are being taken to finalise locations for new installations in the New Year.
The mayor also highlighted the broader implications of inadequate street lighting in Westmoreland. Long stretches of unlit roads and the presence of stray animals have contributed to increased pedestrian accidents and collisions involving animals at night. Addressing these issues, he said, would not only improve public safety but also enhance road conditions for residents and commuters alike.