Twelve street lights were illegally removed from the stretch of road between the Martha Brae overpass and the Falmouth market in Trelawny, leaving Market Street in total darkness at night.
“This activity has left the whole Market Street pitch dark at nights,” said Garth Wilkinson, councillor for the division. He noted that he has repeatedly raised the issue at municipal meetings.
Despite the setback, Wilkinson is hopeful the lights will be replaced soon, citing a recent announcement by Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie in Parliament. The minister stated that all 228 councillors across Jamaica will receive an allotment of 50 street lights each over the next two years.
“I have already applied for my allotment, and replacing those 12 on Market Street will be my priority,” Wilkinson stated.
Karen Brown, customer service representative for the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) in Trelawny and St Ann, explained the process: “Each councillor has to apply to the mayor, who will then forward the application to the Ministry. Once approved, JPS will be instructed to carry out the installations.”
Chester Anderson, a Falmouth resident, welcomed news of the potential replacement.
“The darkness along the street is an accident waiting to happen. Drivers refusing to dip their headlights only make things worse. It will be highly appreciated when those lights are replaced,” he said.
The community continues to wait in anticipation of safer, better-lit nights.
– Leon Jackson
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