Smart LED Streetlight Project Expanded – Several Major Corridors Still Operated by NWA

More customers are set to benefit from the expansion of the Smart LED Streetlight Project, which saw its original target of the conversion of 105,000 streetlights being accomplished last year. With the expansion of the project, an additional 6,500+ streetlights have been converted to LEDs, with approximately 112,000 lights now converted to the more efficient lighting. Additionally, the vast majority, over 106,000 of these LED streetlights, are fitted with smart controllers which affords JPS teams greater monitoring and maintenance capabilities. This allows the Company to have greater management of the streetlights, as well as the ability to resolve issues. JPS is leading the Caribbean, in terms of this major LED conversion exercise.
Streetlight Repairs
In an effort to ensure ongoing streetlight functionality, repairs are taking place across the parishes. Of note, the vast majority of streetlights are working, with the main exceptions being in high theft areas where lights have to be replaced repeatedly, due to the action of persons in those communities. JPS is therefore encouraging residents to be vigilant about the removal of streetlights in their communities. For instance, along the corridor leading into Port Royal, the Company has had to replace streetlights a whopping total of 5 times, due to repeated theft of the lights installed to serve the community.
Last year approximately 11,500 defective streetlights were repaired and over 600 new streetlights, approved by the Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development (MLGRD), were installed, enhancing visibility along roadways. The ongoing shortage of materials globally however, continues to adversely impact the company’s efforts. Notwithstanding these challenges, JPS remains committed to delivering public lighting at the highest standard.
Several NWA Lights
The public is also reminded that there are several lights, which are operated and maintained by the National Works Agency (NWA). This means that the NWA has responsibility for maintaining the lights on these corridors. The roadways for which the NWA has responsibility include: the Elegant Corridor in St. James (the Montego Bay Airport Roundabout to Iberostar Hotel); Bogue Road; Dunrobin to Molynes Intersection; Liguanea to Lady Musgrave; Michael Manley Boulevard; Molynes Road intersection to Six Miles (Washington Boulevard); Papine to Liguanea; Trafalgar Road; and Harbour View East Environs, among others.
The lighting on these roadways will continue to be the responsibility of the National Works Agency until they are officially handed over to JPS. Details of a transfer of ownership from NWA to JPS, are currently being discussed, with the transfer scheduled to be completed in stages, over the next 3 years.
Clarification – New Streetlights Require Govt Approval
JPS also wishes to clarify a commonly held misconception, that the addition of new streetlights falls under the JPS portfolio. This is not the case. New streetlight approvals are granted by the Government. Once this is given, JPS will then maintain the lights. The Company looks forward to being of further service to the government and people of Jamaica, in this regard.