Portland on track to get back electricity and water by Monday - Vaz

Energy Minister Daryl Vaz says sections of Portland which have been without power and water since Wednesday following the passage of Hurricane Beryl should see those services restored by Monday.

Vaz, who is also the Member of Parliament for West Portland, pointed out that based on a report issued by utility company, the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), over the weekend, the main transmission line from Hector's River to Folly was fixed on Saturday and that it should be energised on Sunday. 

"This means, based on the report, that the main corridor and surrounding communities will receive electricity shortly and reconnections are expected to continue throughout the week, "Vaz said.

Vaz stated that the report from JPS suggested that the other transmission line from the western end leading from Dover in St Mary into Port Antonio in Portland should be energised on Monday, thus restoring connection to the main and linked feeds. 

The report, he said, further stated that repairs will begin in damaged areas in West Portland. 

As a result of the disruption in electricity and water, commerce has been brought to a virtual halt, with the exception of a few operators who have since invested in generators.

Meantime, the National Water Commission said that the Grants Level Water Treatment Plant in East Portland as well as the Charles Town Water Treatment Plant in West Portland, which provide potable water to customers, will have full restoration of electrical power based on a update provided by JPS, allowing for the return of services to customers.

- Gareth Davis Snr

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.