Street in Falmouth left in darkness after illegal removal of lights - councillor

Twelve street lights along the one-mile stretch from the Martha Brae overpass to the Falmouth market have been illegally removed, plunging the area into darkness at night, a local representative says.

“This activity has left the whole Market Street pitch dark at nights," said Garth Wilkinson, councillor for the Falmouth Division.

Wilkinson, who has repeatedly raised the issue at municipal meetings, is expressing optimism that the lights will soon be replaced. Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie told Parliament recently that all 228 councillors across Jamaica will receive 50 street lights within the next two years.

"I have already applied for my allotment and replacing those 12 on Market Street will be my priority," said Wilkinson.

Karen Brown, Customer Service Representative for Jamaica Public Service (JPS) in Trelawny and St Ann, explained the steps involved in the replacement process.

“Each councillor has to apply to the mayor who will forward the application to the Ministry... After that, the decision as to the installations will pass on to JPS for action,” she said.

Local resident Chester Anderson welcomed news of the pending replacements.

"The darkness along the street is an accident away from somebody being killed. The drivers refusing to dip their lights does not help. It will be highly appreciated when those lights are replaced," said Anderson.

- Leon Jackson

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