Utilities sputter back on stream

MOST CUSTOMERS of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) could have their power restored by today.

At the same time, the National Water Commission (NWC) says it is working feverishly to provide its customers with water, but has warned that many may not get the precious commodity right away.

Following the recent lashing by tropical depression 16 and even after it was upgraded to Tropical Storm Nicole, the utility companies are struggling to restore electricity and running water to most of the island.

"Some of the rural systems will take longer (than other areas) to come back up, especially if there are issues of access to the communities and to the water-supply sources," said Charles Buchanan, NWC's communications manager.

The NWC reported that nearly 200 pumping stations and treatment plants of a total of 460 were damaged across the island while approxi-mately 100,000 JPS customers were without electricity yesterday.

Meanwhile, the National Works Agency (NWA) says it continues to grapple with problems arising from damage to the island's road and bridge network.

NWA Communications Manager Stephen Shaw last night told The Gleaner the agency had received more than 250 reports of incidents on the roadways

"This includes over 100 roads which were impassable due to landslides, flooding, fallen trees, downed power lines, bridges which have given away and washed-out approach roads, " Shaw said.

Critical roadways

Shaw said the NWA was in the process of reopening several critical arterial roadways, including the Harbour View to Bull Bay corridor, roadways leading from Scotts Cove to Santa Cruz and Goshen, St Elizabeth, Maxfield to Reading in St James, Junction road in St Mary and the Bog Walk gorge.

"All of these are critical roadways that we're paying attention to," said Shaw.

The Meteorological Service is predicting that the rainfall might continue until Saturday and additional afternoon showers could take place on Sunday.